After taking an excellent top 10 result at the Volta a Catalunya, Warren Barguil was marked out as a dangerous outsider for the Vuelta al Pais Vasco. However, the Frenchman lost almost two minutes on the first stage and now has to readjust his targets.

Warren Barguil finished the opening stage of the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco in 33rd position, the first Team Giant-Shimano rider at just under two minutes down on stage winner Alberto Contador. The race split to pieces on the last climb of the day inside 10km to go and the pace was too much for the young Frenchman on the steep slopes pitched at over 15%.

On the penultimate climb of the day, Tom Dumoulin attacked out of the peloton, gaining a small gap but with the teams of the overall favourites looking to set their climbers up at the base of the final difficulty his time out front was limited.

He was brought back a few kilometres later and as soon as the peloton hit the steep slopes of the final climb the race splintered, with two riders pulling clear.

Contador attacked from this lead pair towards the top and raced down the descent the other side to take the first victory of the 2014 race.

Daan Olivier, in only his second race back after breaking his collarbone, rode a strong race to finish just 2’23″ down on the stage winner, in 36th place.

Team Giant-Shimano coach, Addy Engels said:

“Overall the team had a good level today on what was a tough opening stage. We said before the race that we would see how Warren finished on the opening stage to see whether we rode for the GC or not and he couldn’t follow at the end today so we will adapt our plan now.

“Tom Peterson was in a bit of trouble but finished OK in the grupetto without ever being in danger of not making the time cut.”

Following the stage, Daan said on Twitter: “So this is WorldTour racing … amazing to ride at this level. It’s suffering but it’s cool. Became 36th today, with this debut I’m happy.”