Tobias Ludvigsson and Lawson Craddock tested their sprinting legs today with a 13th and 18th on stage 1 of the Dauphiné, as Peter Kennaugh soloed to the line. Luka Mezgec suffered from a flat tire, which ruined the team’s sprinting chances.

The Critérium du Dauphiné started with a 131.5km short opening stage that took the riders from Ugine to Albertville. Five local circuits of 16km had to be completed once arrived in Albertville. Eight registered climbs made the course quite selective.

At the final lap, Thurau (Bora-Argon 18) was the last surviver from the early break of four riders. With 12km to go, four riders escaped from the bunch and overtook Thurau. With a well-timed attack Peter Kennaugh (Team Sky) escaped from that group and made it to the finish solo, just 2” in front of the sprinting bunch, where Ludvigsson took a 13th and Craddock 18th.

After the stage coach Christian Guiberteau  said: “Bad luck again for Luka in the finale. He punctured at a bad moment and was chanceless for the sprint. Tobias and Lawson were in position in the front of the bunch to stay away of crashes and possible splits, so they were able to sprint to a top-20 today.

“Upfront we knew there was a big sprint opportunity and we went for it. We also knew that there was a steep climb in the local circuits so we had to be focused. Some of the guys completed the Giro, the way they deal with that is always a bit of a surprise.

“Most likely there will be a new chance for a sprint tomorrow and with the current shape of the team we really have confidence in a good result.”

Ludvigsson added: “It was a hard lap and our goals were to sprint with Luka and keep Lawson out of troubles. The latter worked out well, the first not because of the flat tire of Luka.

“In the end I tried to get Lawson into a good position and I could sprint by myself after that as well, which was good. Although I was blocked a little in the sprint, but the feeling is good after the Giro.”