After all the build-up, the 100th Giro d'Italia kicked off in Sardinia on Friday, with a likely sprint finish set for the opening stage.
Despite three categorised climbs featuring along the 206km route from, the sprinters looked set to fight it out not only for the stage win, but also the honour of taking the first maglia rosa of the 2017 race.
Riders looking for a stint in one of the Giro's prestigious jerseys were also set to be extremely active, with the King of the Mountains blue jersey up for grabs to those willing to reach out in the breakaway.
Would they be able to stay away though? Or would it all come down to a fierce rush for the line at the end? Find out in the Giro 2017 stage one highlights.
Saturday's stage two will see the riders face the first significant climb of the Giro, with a category two ascent coming close to the finish on the 221km stage to Tortoli.
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Ben Swift successfully defends British National Road Race title
The Ineos rider outlasted Fred Wright on the Michaelgate climb to the finish line
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Pfeiffer Georgi wins British National Road Championships
The DSM rider attacked up the Michaelgate climb to seal the victory
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