Wiggins' Giro win is a step towards Tour de France, says Yates

Bradley Wiggins winning ride at the Giro d'Italia in Amsterdam  gave Team Sky the leader's jersey in its first Grand Tour, but there are other objectives according to sports director Sean Yates

"It's learning for the Tour de France in July," Yates told Cycling Weekly. "This is a proper stepping stone. We started off on the right foot."

Wiggins finished fourth overall last year at the Tour de France behind Alberto Contador, the first time he has challenged at the top end of the general classification at a grand tour. During the winter Sky's Dave Brailsford made sure he signed Wiggins from Garmin, giving Sky a true Grand Tour contender.

Today, Wiggins paid justified the hype. He ripped apart the damp city streets to win at the foot of the 1928 Olympic Stadium. Yates followed the 8.4-kilometre time trial from behind, in the team car.

"He was aggressive from the start, without going crazy. He was up for it, everyone was up for it. Our mission here was a pink jersey for Brad by the end of the first week, but he got it right away. We will continue with our plans, but it was a bonus we got it on day one."

From today's performance, it is logical to think that the yellow jersey in on its way for Wiggins. "This is the Giro d'Italia and you have guys like Alexandre Vinokourov and David Millar here. You have the world's best, apart from Fabian Cancellara."

Wiggins ride into the pink jersey was the second such success for Yates. In 2005 with Discovery Channel, he directed Paolo Savoldelli into the lead. A lead that Savoldelli never relinquished.

Related links

Giro d'Italia 2010: Cycling Weekly's coverage index

2010 Giro d'Italia coverage in association with Zipvit