Team Giant-Alpecin finished 19th at the Vuelta a España opening team time trial. With an average speed of 47,8km/h the team completed the 7.4km course in 9’17”, 1’07“ behind the winning BMC Racing Team.

The third and final Grand Tour got underway with a completely flat team time trial of 7.4 km from Puerto Banús to Marbella. On the dusty roads along the coast the team clocked a time of 9’17”, which was good for a nineteenth place.

BMC Racing Team won the Vuelta opener, Peter Velits crossed the line first and will be the first leader.

“We went for it but didn’t take any unnecessary risks today,” explained coach Christian Guiberteau.

“Together with the riders we made that decision after the recon this morning. We have just started the Vuelta and with a lot of confidence and ambition we are looking forward to the next three weeks.”