Like Andrew Talansky, Damiano Cunego was another GC contender who lost time in the first stage of the Dauphiné as the Italian had to let the favourites go on the final climb up to the finish in Champery. The triple Tour of Lombardy was struck by illness a few days ago and his health problems made him unable to follow the best.

Damiano Cunego made his best grand tour performance for years when he finished 6th at the 2011 Tour de France. On that occasion, he arrived fresh from a strong 2nd place at the Tour de Suisse and this year he had hoped to give himself a similar confidence boost prior to the world's biggest race at the Criterium du Dauphiné.

However, the Italian already lost time on the first days of racing as he arrived at the finish 41 seconds behind the favourites' group which sprinted for second behind the lone winner David Veilleux (Europcar). The Lampre-Merida leader had lost ground on the day's penultimate climb, the Pas de Morgins, but fought back to the main group, only to get dropped on the final climb up to the finish in Champery.

There was, however, a good reason for his time loss. Like Andrew Talansky who was another major loser in the first stage, Cunego has been struck by illness and was far from his best when he rolled out for his debut at the big French stage race.

"Unfortunately, Cunego arrived at the Dauphine after a night with a slight fever that has debilitated him," sports director Maurizio Piovani said. "He  was quickly followed by the medical staff of the team. The team medical staff took care of him and today he could perform all the warm up program that had been scheduled in order to face the short stage. Despite the efforts, Damiano could not be at the top: he tried to limit the gap, hoping that in the next days he’ll be more competitive."

The high mountains are all saved for the last four days of racing but Cunego will get a tough day in the saddle during today's second stage. The Ardennes-like course would normally be a good one for the former Amstel Gold Race winner but for now he will only try to limit his losses.

Since the team's other two climbers, Jose Serpa and Kristijan Durasek, also lost time yesterday, the team will now most likely concentrate on stage wins.

Starting at 12.45, you can follow the second stage on CyclingQuotes.com/live.