During the first stage of Vuelta País Vasco, Primoz Roglic and George Bennett finished 12th and 14th. Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s GC men stayed in the front position in the hectic final towards Eguesibar-Sarriguren.

"For Basque cyclists, this was not a tough ride," said Sports Director Grischa Niermann. "We had good weather and we only raced in the final. Our men have paid attention and were in the final where they had to be."

The early escape was caught with 20 kilometres to race. With only six kilometres to go, the peloton went off the highway on some narrow winding roads. The peloton broke several times.

"We knew this area. This morning, we explored the final and knew we had to be in the front. At the time we turned on the narrow road, we sat with five men in front. "

Much of the peloton came back together and sprinted for the victory. The stage, 153.3 kilometres, was won by Michael Matthews (Sunweb).

"We were there and didn’t waste time,” added Niermann. "Besides our aim to keep Bennett and Roglic in the front, we hoped to sprint with Juan José Lobato. Unfortunately, he fell in the final kilometres, so he had no chance to win."

Tomorrow is a similar stage, but in the following days the group will have to climb several climbs in the País Vasco stage race. It ends Saturday with a time trial.