Bol clinches first stage of Tour of Brittany on Jersey

Jetse Bol of the Rabobank Continental development squad won the first stage of the Tour of Brittany in Jersey, sprinting away from his breakaway companions.

The Channel island of Jersey is hosting the event this year, with a road stage and time trial on the island.

Bol was the fastest at the end of the 145km loop around the town of Gorey on the east of the island.

The course was hillier than many expected it to be, with a long climb topping 10% tackled ten times and some 2000 metres of climbing during the race.

Bol was part of a break that escaped early in the first stage and was never seen again despite a half-hearted attempt from the bunch to bring the group back.

"I knew today was a stage for me," said Bol after the stage. "It had a little climb for me but it wasn't too heavy. There's a really steep climb in the time trial tomorrow so we'll see if I can hang on to the lead".

It was the first time Jersey has hosted the race since 2007 and there was a real sense of festivity on the island as the islanders warmly welcomed the event.

RESULTS

Tour of Brittany, stage one: Gorey-Gorey, 145km

1. Jetse Bol (Rabobank Continental)