Daan Olivier has climbed his way into the top 20 placings at the Vuelta Ciclista a Murcia today after a strong climbing display at the tough one-day race in Spain at which he finished 18th.

Over the main climb of the race Olivier crested in a select group of around 15 riders. This group was joined by a chase group containing around 20 riders, which included Chad Haga who put his legs to good use in aid of Olivier ahead of the tough uphill final.

On the final climb to the line Olivier slipped back as the group strung out under pressure from the front, and as the road levelled out towards the top he was unable to claw back much ground, with the race honours going to Rein Taaramae (Astana). It was a strong display from the 22 year old at just his first race of the season, following a detailed preparation period over the past few months.

After the race, Olivier said: “It was a good day today, the guys helped me really well and I’ve never been climbing so well at the beginning of the season so I’ve got to be happy with how my preparation has been.

“It was quite a small group to go over the two first category climbs and I was feeling really good here. After the second decent a group of 20 came back to us containing Chad and this was great as he helped position me in the final. On the final climb I let myself drop back a bit hoping to move up again at the end but the final kilometre wasn’t hard enough to come through so I struggled to gain places.

“Overall I’m happy with the feelings for my first race though and am looking forward to the Ruta del Sol now.”

Coach Christian Guiberteau added: “Daan was climbing well today and went over the top of the main climb in the select front group. Chad came back in the downhill and it was good to have him there to hep Daan before the final. He was able to put him in position for the final climb and from there it was a fight to the end.

“I’m happy with the teamwork that the guys showed here today and everyone is getting back into the rhythm quickly. It’s a good start ahead of this week’s stage race.”