Share

Greipel takes Tour of Britain's first stage

Newport - Andre Greipel won the opening stage of the Tour of Britain as the German powered to the finish line in a bunch sprint on Sunday.

Lotto Soudal rider Greipel beat Australia's Caleb Ewan, riding for Mitchelton, and Fernando Gaviria of QuickStep at the end of the 174.8-kilometres stage from Pembrey Country Park in Carmarthenshire.

Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas was 77th and his Team Sky colleague Chris Froome, the four-time Tour de France winner competing at his national tour for the first time since 2009, finished 64th.

Cardiff's Thomas, racing on home roads, has been enjoying his yellow jersey success but was determined to put on a show.

The 32-year-old attacked on the day's final climb, but was joined by Julien Alaphilippe and QuickStep teammate Bob Jungels.

Jungels forged on as his fellow escapees were reeled in and the Luxembourg rider was caught with 1km to go as the sprinters' teams found their formation.

And it was Greipel, an 11-time Tour de France stage winner, who emerged victorious for a first stage victory since May.

"I went with 200 (metres) to go. I'm happy I could finish it off. It was a long time that I didn't win and now I'm happy I could win finally again," Greipel told ITV4.

Monday's second stage is a 174.9 km ride from Cranbrook to Barnstaple.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE