Normally team directors and directeur sportifs will go to great lengths to defend their riders, but following the dramatic and unexpected events on the opening stage of the Volta a Catalunya, this was most definitely not the case in the RadioShack-Leopard camp.

Team director José Azevedo expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, “I told the riders to go to the front when I saw Sky pulling on the last climb,” he commented on the team’s website. “It was either that they were going forward to keep Wiggins in the front on the technical descent or they were preparing an attack. The last kilometre of the climb Sky went fast but on the descent they were full gas and created a gap. Thirteen riders made it to the front but no one from our team. No excuses – this is unacceptable. I am really disappointed in my team. Riders with such vast experience cannot let themselves be surprised like this.”

Azevedo continued: “We came to Catalunya with ambitions and after one stage it does not look good at all. When you ride for one of the biggest teams in the world, you need to take your responsibility. I hope the riders will recognize their mistake and make it up in the coming days.”

Stage 2 of the seven day race takes place on Tuesday with a start in Girona and finish in Banyole. The 160.7km stage includes six climbs but should be a sprint stage, maybe the only one of a tough week of racing. Starting at 15.15 on Tuesday Cyclingquotes.com will bring you live coverage from stage 2.