Caleb Ewan rewards impressive teamwork and wins Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var opening stage
 

Lotto Soudal rider Caleb Ewan won the first stage of the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var in a bunch sprint. In a tough and technical final, Lotto Soudal guided its sprinter perfectly towards the finish. Florian Vermeersch delivered Caleb Ewan in perfect position into the final straight line and the Australian rewarded all the hard work of his teammates with his second win of the season. Anthony Turgis and Nacer Bouhanni finished second and third, respectively. Ewan is also the first leader of the three-day stage race in southern France.

The Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var got underway today with a hilly opening stage between Saint-Raphaël and La Seyne-sur-Mer. Lotto Soudal immediately took the initiative and kept the early breakaway of four within reach. The crucial part of today was situated at the Côte du Mai, a steady climb with the summit at twelve kilometres from the finish. After several attacks, the peloton was strung out but didn’t fully split. In a technical final, Lotto Soudal took up the gauntlet and kept Caleb Ewan perfectly on the front rows of the bunch. Thanks to his teammates, the Australian reached the finishing straight in ideal position. Ewan took the opportunity with both hands and launched his impressive sprint to take the stage win.

“We knew this stage was going to be a tough one”, Caleb Ewan said. “Even for me, it was a bit of a mystery whether I would survive the climb or not. But I felt really good today and the team just did a great job. They controlled the race and protected me perfectly leading into and on the climb. Due to the steady pace, the attacks didn’t go far and going into the descent with around five of my teammates gave me that extra boost to finish it off.”

Following a stage win at the Saudi Tour, Caleb Ewan again proved to be in the right shape, with a good pair of climbing legs.

“I’ve already shown this season that I got stronger uphill and that I am developing as a rider. I am really happy with the shape I am in. It really was a successful test for what’s to come.”

On Saturday and Sunday, two stages with a lot of climbing are scheduled, where Ewan will put himself at the service of the likes of Tim Wellens.

“We have a very strong team for this race. Tim targets a nice spot on GC so now it’s my turn to help my teammates. Tim already did an impressive lead-out today so he is clearly in great shape.”

Image: Photo News.