BMC Racing dominate Tirreno-Adriatico team time-trial as Team Sky suffer losses
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 08/03/17 4:02pm
BMC Racing, led home by Damiano Caruso, claimed victory in the opening team time-trial at Tirreno-Adriatico, where Team Sky had a nightmare day.
His team finished the 22.7km race, which started and finished in Lido di Camaiore, in 23 minutes and 20 seconds, some 17 seconds quicker than the Quick-Step Floors team.
Caruso will wear the blue jersey as race leader on Tuesday, when the first road stage takes place between Camaiore and Pomarance, finishing with a 12km uphill drag to the line.
Team-mates Rohan Dennis, Greg Van Avermaet, Stefan Kung, Daniel Oss and Tejay van Garderen also made it to the finish line in the lead group.
FDJ took third place, 22 seconds adrift, just edging out Movistar as two of the race favourites - Thibaut Pinot and Nairo Quintana - made positive starts.
But it proved to be a costly day for Team Sky, who trailed home in the 18th fastest time, losing 1:42 to the victorious BMC Racing squad.
They were already trailing on the clock when Gianni Moscon suffered a heavy fall, his front wheel appearing to disintegrate which made his bike impossible to control. He was left with a nasty road rash down his right hand side.
Stage 1 result:
1 BMC Racing (USA) 23m 20s
2 Quick-Step Floors (Bel) +17s
3 FDJ (Fra) +22s
4 Movistar (Spa) same time
5 Orica-Scott (Aus) +25s
Others:
18 Team Sky (Gbr) +1:42
