Bradley Wiggins (Sky) made a restrained return to competitive racing at the Tour de Pologne Saturday as Lampre-Merida's Diego Ulissi sprinted to victory on the opening stage.

Wiggins, riding competitively for the first time since abandoning the Giro d'Italia because of sickness in May, was dropped early on the final climb to the Italian ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio and eventually crossed the finish line 9min 13sec down for 58th on the day.

Speaking to Sky SPORTS after his comeback race, Wiggins ruled out participation in next month’s Vuelta a España as he intends to slowly work his way back to fitness.

“I won’t do the Vuelta, that’s for sure,” said the Briton, who last year won the Tour and the Olympic individual time trial. “The world championships is what I’m aiming for. It’s just small steps at the moment. I’m just focused on the present, not thinking about next year.”