Marcel Kittel is gearing up for the Giro d'Italia in the Tour de Romandie but there won't be many opportunities for him to test his legs in the sprints. Today, however, he proved that he is ready for his debut at the Italian grand tour when he showed off his TT skills by taking third in the opening prologue.

 

Marcel Kittel has finished third in the 5.57km opening prologue of the Tour de Romandie just four seconds down on the stage winner.

 

Kittel averaged just short of 52kmh on the fast, flat course around Ascona that was well suited to the fast men here in this race. A previous World and European Time Trial Champion, he knows what it takes to perform well against the clock.

 

Tobias Ludvigsson finished just 11-seconds further back in 31st place, also completing the course at over 50kmh average speed, and Georg Preidler was again just one second further behind.

 

Michal Kwiatkowski (OPQS) was the fastest on the stage, and as a result he takes the first leaders jersey of the race.

 

“That’s a nice way to start Romandie,” said Kittel on the team bus after the stage. “I don’t expect there to be that many chances here for me to get a result so to get a podium in the prologue is cool.

 

“This race for me now is more about getting in some hard racing kilometres before the Giro and helping out the team where I can while also taking opportunities where I can.”

 

Team Giant-Shimano coach, Christian Guiberteau said on the way back to the hotel after the stage:

 

“It was a really good performance from Marcel today, he nailed all the technical parts and looked strong on the flats.

 

“When going through the corners he looked really fluid and it will be good for his confidence for the rest of this race and also in his preparation for the coming Giro d’Italia.”

 

Tobias Ludvigsson, in his first race back after having ankle problems at Circuit Cycliste Sarthe, added:

 

“That hurt today! My first deep effort since stopping Sarthe, so it was hard. But I can feel that some form is there so that is promising. It was a great ride from Marcel, and it’s a good way to start this race.”