Adriano Malori (Movistar) took out the opening prologue of the Tirreno-Adriatico. The Italian was just ahead of Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) and Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing). Malori also pulled on the overall race leaders jersey. 

MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung had a solid start to its seasons World Tour debut with both Steven Cummings and Edvald Boasson Hagen finishing inside the top 15. In a star studded field, the MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung riders all set competitive times at the point when they finished. In the end there was only 11 seconds separating the top 20 riders, showing just how high the level of racing was today.

When Boasson Hagen crossed the line he had provisionally set the 2nd fastest time of the day. More riders were still to finish though, including Cummings. Boasson Hagen’s time was able to hold out for 11th on the day though while Cummings blitzed home just 6 seconds behind Malori to take 8th place on the stage.

This solid start to the Tirreno-Adriatico has put the MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung riders in a great position going forward and currently the morale is high among the African team in Italy.

"I am happy with my performance today because I was really unsure of where I was at after the illness. So to be close to the win today was good. I felt good and fresh on the bike and now I look forward to the week ahead," Cummings said.

"With 2 riders finishing top 11 we can be more than satisfied but there is still more that is possible from our team. Today has been a good starting point for our morale and for the stages to come," sports director Jens Zemke said.