The Volta a Catalunya started yesterday and already with the finish of the first stage, starting and finishing in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, it was clear that victory was being contested among the best. Remco Evenepoel was narrowly beaten in the sprint by Dorian Godon and in third place we found Tom Pidcock who on Saturday finished second at Milan-Sanremo behind Tadej Pogacar. Evenepoel finished second by a matter of milliseconds and after the finish line he showed his disappointment at that missed victory.

«It's a shame that for the second time my effort wasn't enough. It was an exciting race all the way to the finish, but ultimately I don't think I have anything to complain about – Evenepoel said after the stage – I was well positioned and I gave my all».

The sprint was long and Remco Evenepoel lost by very little. Only the Belgian and the French national champion managed to produce the power that swept away all the competition.

«The coastal road was a novelty for me. I knew there would be curves and hairpin turns, but the team positioned me perfectly. In the end it was about navigating through the group, but I was always well positioned. I tackled the final descent towards the finish in second position. The NSN immediately moved to the left and Pidcock was on my wheel. A gap opened up, but I jumped to close it. I immediately saw they were slowing down, so I thought it was the perfect moment to attack».

The Belgian is always well prepared when he races and has always followed this race on television and that also helped him interpret the finale perfectly.

«Even the riders who have won here in the past have always attacked from far out. In the end, there was a bit more headwind than expected, but it was tough for everyone. The last 800 meters were uphill and usually that's a condition that suits a rider like me well. But I was overtaken in the final 75 meters. I tried and in the end I didn't make it. It's a shame, but it's still a good start to the week».

Today the second stage will be raced from Figueres to Banyoles for a total of 167.4 km. The stage will be lively with the climb to Alt del Purgatori which could put some riders in difficulty and favor attacks from far out.