American team BMC Racing have taken the top spot in the 7.4km first stage of the Vuelta de España. Organisers had earlier announced that times would
American team BMC Racing have taken the top spot in the 7.4km first stage of the Vuelta de España.
Organisers had earlier announced that times would not count in the overall standings due to safety concerns along the route from Puerto Banus to Marbella.
BMC, who also won the team time trial at last month’s Tour de France, finished in eight minutes and 10 seconds.
Slovakian rider Peter Velits was first over the line and will wear the red leader’s jersey on Sunday.
Tinkoff-Saxo of Russia and Australian outfit Orica were second and third respectively.
Team Sky, which includes Britain’s Tour de France winner Chris Froome, finished in 20th, over a minute behind the winners.
Fellow team-mate Geraint Thomas said they planned to play it “safe” because of the “neutralised” first stage.
Sunday will see the riders battle it out on the hilly 158.7 km second stage from Alhuarin de la Torre to Caminito del Rey in the province of Malaga.