The gaps are relatively small but Cadel Evans was nevertheless happy with the advantage he gained over some of the other general classification contenders on yesterday’s opening stage of Tirreno Adriatico.
The BMC Racing Team leader, who won the race two years ago and who wants to have a similar showing this time round to boost his morale after a tough 2012, was satisfied with his squad’s third place in the team time trial.
The American team finished sixteen seconds behind the world champions Omega Pharma Quick Step, and five off the time of runner-up Movistar.
Importantly, it beat Peter Sagan’s Cannondale Pro Cycling, Vincenzo Nibali’s Astana, Chris Froome’s Sky and Alberto Contador’s Team Saxo Tinkoff, taking three, four, nine and thirteen seconds out of them respectively.
“We lost a few riders midway through, but I think it was more of a bit of a discrepancy of strength,” said Evans afterwards. “When you have a couple of time trial specialists in a team, it is stronger. But it means for the four guys who have to follow behind, it's not always easy.
“But it's always good to have a few seconds on whom I consider to be the main GC (general classification) contenders like Vincenzo Nibali, Alberto Contador and Chris Froome.”
Being a week-long event, the final time gaps are likely to be tight; Evans is aware that the seconds gained on this opening leg could well help determine the final overall placings.
According to assistant director Max Sciandri, another important consideration was that everyone stayed out of trouble on a very slippery day. Evans will need the full support of his team and keeping him, and others, out of danger is important for the success of the campaign.
“The good news is everybody came in safe, the team gave its best and now we put it aside and move forward,” Sciandri said. “Tomorrow will probably be wet again. So we will shift into GC mode and have a mission and a clear objective to move Cadel forward."
Tirreno-Adriatico continues today with a largely flat 232 kilometre race from San Vincenzo to Indicatore.