Bilbao - Bilbao 162.7 km
A cracking start to one of the consistently great stageraces of the year. Not-so-hidden message: sprinters need not apply.
Triumphant pitiful cobbles-avoider of the day: Janier Acevedo
Smart money is on Kwiat or Gallopin I suppose but no one ever accused me of being smart. This could be a good type of stage for Acevedo and Slagter of Cannondale. God knows they need to put some numbers on the board at some point.