Cameron Meyer (Orica-GreenEDGE) started the first road stage of the Tour de Suisse yesterday in the yellow jersey after winning the opening stage time trial on Saturday. He knew it would be a big task to defend the race lead on the stage two summit finish to Crans-Montana.

With full support from his team, Meyer conserved energy ahead of the ascent and rode within himself up the climb. At the end of the day, when the dust had settled, the combined efforts of Orica-GreenEDGE were sufficient for Meyer to remain in yellow by 3” over Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp).

“We controlled from the start,” Meyer said on the team website. “This allowed me to save energy before the summit finish.”

The weather shortened stage was originally meant to include the Nufenenpass and Furkapass ascents as a prelude to the Crans-Montana finale. ORICA-GreenEDGE benefited from the stage two modifications.

“[Michael] Albasini and [Daryl] Impey paced me for as long as they could, which was fantastic,” Meyer added. “They got me to seven kilometres to go.”

When Albasini and Impey dropped off the pace, Meyer was left alone in a group of around 40 riders. He defended himself against the constant onslaught of attacks and accelerations.

“I felt good on the climb,” said Meyer. “It was definitely a learning experience for me to ride with the big riders. I only lost time in the last kilometre. It was enough to hold onto the jersey.”

Bauke Mollema (Blanco) won the stage thanks to a well-time attack underneath the flamme rouge. With Hesjedal alone up the road, Mollema accelerated away from the bunch, bridged across to Hesjedal and kicked a second time to leave the Canadian in his wake.

“I have 3" on Hesjedal ahead of what looks like a very long, hard day on the bike,” said Meyer. “I’m up for the challenge. Hopefully I can come through alright. Every day that I can keep in yellow is a bonus.”