The opening stage of the 67th edition of the Criterium du Dauphine took the riders today on short 131.5 kilometers from Ugine to Albertville. In the second part of the stage a lap of 16 kilometers had to be ridden five times. Björn Thurau of BORA – ARGON 18 once again demonstrated his breakaway skills.

After only eleven kilometers he went clear from the field together with three companions. Thurau collected important points in the mountains classification in which he currently holds the second place. With an attack on the penultimate climb, Thurau could split the group. By attacking again on the last climb, Thurau could go as a soloist on the final ten kilometers. Thurau was reeled in by the peloton with just two kilometers to go. All BORA – ARGON 18 riders crossed the finish line safely with the main bunch.

"That was a short but fast start. The team has implemented exactly what we intended. Today, we wanted to be part of the break away group and Björn has managed that. When we look at the race he rode, one can see that he has worked very well in the recent weeks. Of course it’s a pity that his attacks weren’t enough for a win but we are very pleased with the day though. The other guys have also done a good job in the peloton and worked for Dominik [Nerz]. Now we want to continue riding actively and also result-oriented in the next few days", Enrico Poitschke, Sports Director of BORA – ARGON 18, concludes the stage.

"Of course, a classification such as the mountain jersey is also a goal in such an important tour. We knew that one could lay the foundation for it today. But of course it is a long way to win it in the end. Björn has done very well. Now we’ll have to see how it works in the high mountains", Poitschke continued.