Maximilian Schachmann from Team Bora-hansgrohe sprinted to second place at the start of the Tour de Suisse.
Only Williams faster than Schachmann
The German road champion was only beaten by Britain's Stephen Williams (Bahrain Victorious) after 177.6 kilometres around Küsnacht in the final of a 15-man lead group on Sunday. Third place went to the Dane Andreas Kron (Lotto Soudal).
Even if it didn't work out with the first win of the season, Schachmann presented himself well three weeks before the start of the Tour de France in Copenhagen in good shape.
The rider from Berlin, who was unable to compete in the spring due to illness, had already finished second in the Grand Prix of the Canton of Aargau on Friday.
Tour de Suisse ends with individual time trial
"The day was very tough. I looked into some faces, everyone was suffering. There was a selection on the last mountain. Everyone went full throttle. No-one had the legs to go it alone. It was a bit of a poker game," explained Schachmann.
The Tour of Switzerland continues on Monday with the second stage over 198 kilometres from Küsnacht to Aesch. The overall winner will be crowned next Sunday after the final individual time trial in Vaduz.
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