BMC Racing once again showed why they have a reputation as the WorldTour's best team time trial unit as they blew away the competition on the opening stage of the 2017 Tirreno-Adriatico.
The American team set out fast as they looked to chase down Quick-Step Floors' time of 23-37, and looked well on course when they approached the final few kilometres with all but on rider still in their unit.
Italian Damiano Caruso was the first BMC rider across the line on the 22.7km course, meaning he'll wear the leader's blue jersey heading into Thursday's stage two.
52nd Tirreno - Adriatico, Stage 01 : Lido di Camaiore - Lido di Camaiore TTT, CARUSO Damiano (ITA) BMC, Leader of the General Classification, Photo : Yuzuru SUNADA
(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)
Earlier in the day Lotto-Soudal, who were first off, set the benchmark of 24-12, before Nairo Quintana and his Movistar team jumped ahead with 23-42.
That was then eclipsed by Quick-Step, who were hoping to go one better than their second place to BMC in last year's opening TTT, as they set an impressive time of 23-37.
But there was no stopping BMC, who rode at an average of 58.371kmph to take the stage win.
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In terms of the GC contenders, Sky's pair of hopefuls Mikel Landa and Geraint Thomas were the biggest losers, sitting over a minute down on some of their main rivals already, with the team riding to a time of 25-02.
Blighted by punctures, the biggest moment came as Gianni Moscon bizarrely crashed with his front wheel collapsing beneath him.
Stage two will see the riders take on a hilly course over 228km, with a tricky uphill finish that will make it difficult for the sprinters.
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
