Michal Kwiatkowski settles for second after 'unbeatable' Rohan Dennis wins Vuelta opener
The Pole sits just six seconds down in second position ahead of the opening road stages
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hHB6JmAvmvEoMXfK2zrr7d-415-80.jpg)
Michal Kwiatkowski on stage one of the 2018 Vuelta a España (Sunada)
Michal Kwiatkowski says he is disappointed not to take the victory in the opening time trial of the Vuelta a España, but said there was nothing he could do against an 'unbeatable' Rohan Dennis (BMC Racing).
Dennis stormed to victory on the short 8km course of the time trial in Malaga, averaging over 49.6kph to beat the Team Sky man into second by just six seconds.
It's the second time this year Dennis has taken the leader's jersey in a Grand Tour after winning an opening time trial, taking pink after the first day of the Giro d'Italia in Israel.
While Kwiatkowski was left frustrated to miss out on an early victory in the Vuelta, he sits in an advantageous position already in the quest for the general classification. Ultimately though, the Pole says his aim was to win and take red on Saturday.
"It was a good ride from me but at the end of the day not good enough to win," Kwiatkowski said post race.
"Congratulations to Rohan Dennis for such an impressive ride. He was unbeatable today I would say. I gave it my best and I was trying to win the stage, having the split times of [Jonathan] Castroviejo and the other guys.
"I was happy with my ride but at the end of the day chapeau to Rohan.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"We are racing to win the races so of course when you are there on the hot seat you have to feel disappointment. It's in our genes to try to win. But the Vuelta is three weeks long so I'm looking forward to the next days."
Wilco Kelderman (Sunweb) and Ion Izagirre (Bahrain-Merida) were the best finishing climbers after opening stage, finishing 22 seconds down on Dennis and now 16 seconds behind Kwiatkowski.
More established Grand Tour contenders like Richie Porte (BMC Racing) and Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) are already significantly down on the leader at 51 seconds and 40 seconds respectively.
28-year-old Kwiatkowski will be favourite to depose Dennis of the red jersey in the coming road stages, with a difficult introduction for the riders already coming on stage two with a category three finish Cominito del Rey.
"I think we can be really happy. We've had a good start. Kwiato was so close to the win," Team Sky sport director Gabriel Rasch said.
"I think he got everything out more or less. Rohan Dennis was just too fast. Then those young guys, Tao [Geoghegan Hart], Pavel [Sivakov], Dylan [van Baarle] all did a super time trial and they really showed they deserve to be here and they are really promising talents for the future.
"It's a big step up in their career and for the years to come."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
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).
-
Primož Roglič reveals he suffered back fracture in Tour de France crash
Slovenian abandoned race after being caught up in crash on stage 12, Vuelta a España participation now in doubt
By Tom Thewlis
-
Paris 2024 Olympics time trials: Everything you need to know
Information about the course, timings, favourites, startlists and TV channels for the individual time trials
By Tom Davidson Published
-
It's time to stop expecting so much of Ineos Grenadiers at the Tour de France
The British team are always under pressure to match their past best, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
Tom Pidcock says Ineos Grenadiers will be 'better' at the Tour de France without Steve Cummings
Netflix series depicted tension between the DS and rider, dynamic sources told Cycling Weekly carries a degree of accuracy
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'dreaming' of taking yellow jersey on opening weekend of Tour de France
British rider hopes to play starring role in Italian Grand Départ
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I think I'll get the opportunity to go for a stage' - Geraint Thomas relishing support role at Tour de France
Former yellow jersey winner says this year's race "could be my last"
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Carlos Rodríguez to lead Ineos Grenadiers at Tour de France, supported by Geraint Thomas and Tom Pidcock
British squad will aim to "race aggressively and disrupt" at the French Grand Tour
By Adam Becket Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Tom Pidcock
According to the man himself, he's never had a hangover. It's alright for some.
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock adds extra mountain bike race to schedule, one week before Tour de France
Pidcock confirms he will race World Cup event in Crans Montana, Switzerland ahead of Olympic title defence
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
5 things we learned from the first week of the 2024 Giro d’Italia
The Italian Grand Tour is firmly underway and Tadej Pogačar is in the pink jersey. Here are our takeaways from the first week of action
By Tom Thewlis Published