Publications
Partners
Lausanne - Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara won the prologue of the 80th Tour of Switzerland - and his last - in Baar over a thrilling 6.4 kilometres on Saturday.
The decorated 35-year-old Trek team rider pipped by a second Lotto's Jurgen Roelandts of Belgium, in second, and the Australian Luke Durbridge (Orica) in third, two seconds off the leader.
After a wet start to the day that meant slippery conditions early on for some riders, home favourite Cancellara powered to the line in seven minutes 38 seconds to just edge out Roelandts and grab the yellow jersey, to the delight of the locals.
It was Cancellara's 11th Tour of Switzerland stage win and the sixth time that "Spartacus," as he is fondly known, will wear the leader's jersey after the opening stage.
Among the overall favourites, Britain's Geraint Thomas was 12 seconds off the top time and American Tejay Van Garderen 28 seconds adrift.
Last year's winner, Simon Spilak from Slovenia, finished 31 seconds down in 64th place.
The Tour continues on Sunday with a 188-kilometer stage around Baar.
