Kevin Vermaerke was the first Team DSM rider across the line on the opening stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné in 17th place after teammate Felix Gall lit up the fight behind the solo victor attacking in pursuit in the final 12 kilometres.

Gall was eventually brought back with just over six kilometres to go while out front the lone escapee from the day’s early break held on to take the stage with a reduced peloton crossing the line some 25 seconds later.

The day’s early break of four, reduced to three mid stage, only stretched its lead out to just under five minutes at best but the peloton mistimed its chase as the race hit the hills late in the stage. The peloton gradually whittled down to around 80 riders with Gall, Martijn Tusveld, Ilan van Wilder and Vermaerke present for Team DSM.

With the final rider still holding a minute’s advantage into the final 15 kilometres, Gall tried his luck and got clear of the peloton but was unable to stay away as the break stayed away and behind the sprint unfolded for second.

Team DSM coach Wilbert Broekhuizen commented after the stage: “We had a plan to be in the break today if the group was six riders or more. Four went immediately after the start and we weren’t there and from then the races was quite closed.

“The bunch waited for too long to close the gap and in the pre-final there was an attack on the final climb from Felix but nobody else joined him so he was alone in front. We rode as a team and we can take some good learning points for the coming days. We are looking forward to racing again tomorrow, to be aggressive and to go for stage results and gain as much experience as we can.”