It was warm, flat and windy for the opening stage of the Tour of California — a day for the sprinter’s teams. Team Cannondale-Garmin looked to keep its leaders, Andrew Talansky and Joe Dombrowski, protected. Unfortunately an upper respiratory virus forced Talansky out of the race, but the team’s goals remain the same.

“Our goals were to work for Andrew and Joe this week and the goal is still the same going forward,” said Director Sportif Johnny Weltz. “These first few days are for the sprinters. We are looking forward to the hilly stages for Joe, and for other opportunities – we have a strong team with a few guys capable of stage wins. They are all focused and motivated.”

“It was a pretty flat and fast first stage,” said Dombrowski. “There was not a lot to define the stage but the peloton was a little nervous with the wind and the gravel section. Then it looked like the field was going to split with about 40km to go, but it ended up staying together. We worked hard in the circuits to stay near the front and safe.

“The guys were really great about keeping Andrew and me out of the wind today. Unfortunately Andrew is out with an illness, but the guys made sure I was protected, keeping things relaxed and easy for me all day.”

Despite his sickness Talansky started the race, wanting to make it through the day in order to keep racing in his home race.

“I’m very disappointed to have to stop the race with a respiratory infection. I came here really motivated — California is my adopted home state and competing here is special for me and my team. We have a strong group of guys in the race, we came here ready for opportunities and those opportunities still exist. I will be rooting for the team while I recover and I know they will race their hearts out.”

Stage two from Nevada City south to Lodi will likely be another day for the sprinters before encountering the first big hills in San Jose on Tuesday.