Izagirre Takes Tour De Romandie Time Trial

Last updated : 26 April 2016 By CNS Sport

Ion Izagire took the time trial on the opening stage of the Tour De Romandie in Switzerland.

The snow had finally stopped but it was wet and cold over the 3.95km course in La Chaux-de-Fonds.

Lotto Soudal's Louis Vervaecke was an early leader but Izagirre of Movistar completed the course in 5.33 to take the win, six seconds ahead of Tom Dumoulin of Giant-Alpecin and seven seconds ahead of Team Sky duo Michal Kwiatkowski and Geraint Thomas.

Race favourite Chris Froome finished in 5.59.

Izagirre told his team's press office: "I knew my condition was still great after the classics and this result is a happy confirmation of that.

"We checked the course at noon today and I really liked it, with that short, sharp climb followed by the technical descent, through the small houses before the finish.

"It all turned out well and we're so happy to get this win. I was doubtful about which bike should I bring into this course, the road race one or the TT one - but I saw Gorka doing great on the Speedmax and I took a last-minute change, when I was already set to start with the traditional one.

"To be honest, my brother played a big part in this victory, with those good time checks - he was fantastic.

"Now it's time to enjoy this victory; we don't know how the week will go. We've got a strong team, with Nairo always on good form, Andrey testing his legs before the Giro... Let's hope we can keep this jersey!"