As expected, the climbs were a bit too hard for Marcel Kittel in today's opening stage of the Arctic Race of Norway. Instead, his teammate Albert Timmer took over the leadership role.

Albert Timmer was the first home for Team Giant-Shimano at the end of a tough opening stage to the Arctic Race of Norway as the stage finished in the northern-most point that a bike race has ever travelled.

The race was well controlled behind a break of five riders until the peloton came back together in the final 20km. This sparked some solo bids for glory but it was to be the final climbs that would sort who was left at the front of the race.

“The plan was to go with Thierry [Hupond] and Albert in the final as we knew that it would be too difficult for Marcel,” said Team Giant-Shimano coach Aike Visbeek. It was not only up and down but the crosswinds played their role too.

“We went into the stage with a focus on positioning given the winds and in the end Albert nearly made the front group when it split. He went for an all out effort to try and make it across to the leaders but didn’t quite make it. He lost some seconds overall but it was good to give it a go.

“Marcel tested himself a bit at the end too but it was too tough for the sprinters today. He was looking good though so we are happy with his condition here post Tour de France.”

Timmer added: “I was able to wait more or less until the final stages today then go for it. On the last climb I was still in the first group but lost some ground over the top and it had split. I tried to bridge over but blew up in doing so.

“It took me a while to get into the race today. Early on I thought that I was going to get dropped on one of the climbs and was thinking ‘this is going to be a long day’ but it was OK and my legs came around. It was a hard first race back but I’m feeling alright.”