Gaviria delights home crowd with sprint victory in opening stage of Tour of Colombia against Cavendish

Fernando Gaviria claimed victory in the opening stage of the Tour of Colombia on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Colombian outpaced Davide Persico and Mark Cavendish in a bunch sprint after a 156-kilometer flat stage from Paipa to Duitama. Gaviria also secured the leader's jersey.

The seemingly billiard-flat stage appeared destined for the breakaway riders, but the day turned out differently. Despite pleasant weather conditions, the peloton faced gray clouds and cold temperatures at 2,500 meters above sea level, impacting the riders' oxygen intake.

Six riders formed the breakaway of the day, including David Gómez (Sistecrédito), Lauro Moro (Swift Carbon), Cristian Muñoz (NU Colombia), Diego Ochoa (Saitel), Iván Ojeda (Colombia Potencia de Vida), and Ignacio Prado (Canels Java). Although none were well-known, this Tour of Colombia wasn't expected to feature prominent names. Only Movistar, EF Education-EasyPost, and Astana Qazagstan Team represented WorldTour teams, with ProTour teams Bingoal WB and Team Corratec-Vini Fantini also participating.

With just over ten kilometers to go, the breakaway's advantage dwindled, signaling the start of sprint preparations. Movistar, leading the peloton throughout the day, paved the way for Gaviria, while Astana supported Cavendish. Despite attempts by some riders to avoid a bunch sprint, it was inevitable. Alexey Lutsenko worked tirelessly for Cavendish, who ultimately fell short against Gaviria and Persico in the sprint.

Wednesday's stage presents a fair amount of climbing, with a double ascent of the Alto Moral (1.2 kilometers; 6.4 percent) and a brisk finish featuring the Alto Malterias Pinos (2.6 kilometers; 5.2 percent), which should excite Colombian fans. It remains to be seen how top favorites such as Egan Bernal, Nairo Quintana, Ivan Ramiro Sosa, and Rigoberto Uran will fare.

Results stage 1 Tour of Colombia 2024

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