Ryder Hesjedal got the Giro del Trentino off to a very bad start as he lost 24 seconds to Richie Porte in the opening team time trial after his two teammates Edward King and Davide Villella went down in a crash.

Things were looking bright for Hesjedal and Cannondale-Garmin at the intermediate check where they had set the third best time and were just one second slower than pre-race favourites Sky. Due to the tumble, however, the team lost plenty of ground in the second half and Hesjedal now finds himself in a difficult position as he heads into the mountains.

However, the time loss is not a big concern for the Canadian who has mainly included the race in his schedule to prepare for the Giro d'Italia where he will again lead his American team alongside young talent Davide Formolo.

“It’s a pity but I’m here to get in a good race," he told Cyclingnews. "That’s the important thing for me personally. I feel good and have been training well since Catalunya. With the team we made a call to do this period of racing: Trentino and Romandie, instead of the Ardennes. Trentino has never been on our race programme before but it’s an opportunity to do it and get ready for the Giro d’Italia.”