Team LottoNL-Jumbo made it through the first stage in the Ruta del Sol without any problems. Italian Daniele Bennati (Tinkoff) won the bunch sprint and took the lead in the general classification.

Wilco Kelderman and Steven Kruijswijk finished their first race without any problems. The average speed was high, perfect for rolling into their new season. 

"Our men finished the first day of racing well," said Sport Director Addy Engels. "For Kelderman and Kruijswijk, it was the first race of the season. They had no problems to switch from training to racing. The start was a bit tough because many riders fought to get away. On the long flat road afterwards, little happened and we rolled to the finish."

Tomorrow follows a 186.2-kilometre route with a treacherous final in Cordoba.

"The stage starts on flat roads, but just before Cordoba we turn upwards," continued Engels. "That's a nice test for our classification riders. Enrico Battaglin could survive also but if the Alejandro Valverde's of this world are going full throttle then you do not know the outcome. I think there could be a sprint in Cordoba, but that depends on what happens on that climb."