The Vuelta a España opened with a 7.4 kilometer team time trial between Porto Banus and Malaga on Saturday. Race organizers neutralized the stage due to safety concerns and times counted toward the team classification but did not count for the overall standings.  

“The first objective was to make it through the stage safely,” said Andrew Talanksy, who finished 11th overall at the Tour de France last month. “We also wanted to put on a show for all the fans that came out to support us and support the race. We appreciate everyone who came out for the start of the Vuelta, the crowds were incredible, and we also appreciate the race organizers and the UCI for coming to this agreement and making rider safety a priority today.”

Cannondale-Garmin covered the technical course with a time of 9:30, averaging 46.7 kilometers/hour. All nine riders safely crossed the Malaga finish line together. 

"It's a beautiful course and a beautiful show. It must have looked good on TV. We owed it to the public to make a show," Daniel Martin said.

The Vuelta continues on Sunday with the first road stage. The 165 kilometer day begins in Alhaurin de la Torre and finishes atop a third category climb in Caminito del Rey, offering an early test for the overall contenders.