It was a positive start for Lampre-Merida in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, thanks to the 21st place obtained by Rui Costa in the first stage, 162,7 km with start and finish in Bilbao.

The course, a long loop that made the bunch go towards the coast to Lekeitio and then come back to Bilbao after having passed one 3rd category climb and the Alto de Vivero twice, the final passage 13km from the finish reducing the  group to 60 riders including Costa who received good support from his team mates and who could respond to the attacks from Vuillermoz, Arredondo, Wellens and Henao on the last climb.

“The opening stage was not simple, since the last passage on the Alto de Vivero was close to the finish and the downhill to the finish line was fast, so it was very important to be in the front positions on the climb," Rui Costa explained. "I’m satisfied I could received a very good support from my team mates and I could control the situation. 

"Without risks in the downhill and in the sprint, I could finish the stage in the best group. The selection was not big but it was important to avoid any unpleasant surprises."

Rui Costa could not receive the help from Serpa and Ulissi: the Colombian climber crashed in the approach to the first passage of the Alto de Vivero and the same happened to the Italian in the run-in to the second passage. The blue-fuchsia-green duo suffered grazes.