Not known as the biggest specialists in the discipline, Tinkoff-Saxo got the Vuelta a Espana off to a decent start when they finished 7th in the opening team time trial. Having limited their losses, the team was pleased with the outcome.

Tinkoff-Saxo has gone into the Vuelta a Espana with lots of uncertaint about Alberto Contador's condition and they have made it clear that they will take things day by day, trying to limit the losses in the first week. Hence, it was mission accomplished in the opening team time trial as the team finished 7th, losing just 19 seconds to stage winner Movistar.

"This changes nothing," Contador said. "It was important to get the legs up to speed. My heart rate was 200bpm in this team time trial because I still need a some racing. Now I will try to improve every day.

"We are very close and we always like to be professional. It was more dangerous than usual on these roads but it was no big deal."

Sports director Steven De Jongh was pleased with the outcome.

“I’m completely satisfied with this result," he said. "The boys rode really well together through the technically demanding course and even though it’s only 12 kilometers, it’s such a demanding discipline but we completed the stage with six riders. It’s a good way to start the Vuelta. Tomorrow’s stage is a flat one but we have to pay attention to the wind as the crosswind sections could create chaos in the peloton."