Team Novo Nordisk started the eight-day Tour of Britain on Sunday in Beaumaris, Wales. The 177.7-kilometer stage began under threatening skies in the coastal city of Beaumaris. Twenty kilometers into the stage, four riders escaped and quickly gained a gap.

The quartet worked well together and built a maximum advantage of nearly eight minutes, and it looked like they would hold on until the finish. Two riders from the break, Kristian House (JLT Condor) and Peter Williams (One Pro Cycling), attacked inside the final kilometers but were caught just shy of the line. Elia Viviani (Team Sky) won in a photo finish with Team Novo Nordisk’s Andrea Peron taking 19th place.

“Today started really fast, as we expected, and a break got away quickly,” Team Novo Nordisk’s David Lozano said. “For me, the most surprising part of the day was how my legs felt. I just finished the USA Pro Challenge, and I have to say, I’m feeling really good. I think I recovered well and I’m excited for what’s to come this week.”

Team Novo Nordisk continues racing on Monday with Stage 2 of the Aviva Tour of Britain. The 159.3-km stage begins in Clitheroe and features three intermediate climbs and three intermediate sprints before a slightly uphill finish in Colne.