Britain’s Geraint Thomas produced a stunning display in wet conditions to win the first stage of the 2017 Tour de France in Dusseldorf.
The Team Sky rider finished the 14km time trial in 16 minutes and four seconds to take the yellow jersey, with defending champion and fellow British rider Chris Froome 12 seconds back in sixth.
Switzerland’s Stefan Kung, racing for BMC Racing, was second while Belarusian Vasil Kiriyienka finished third.
Local hero Tony Martin faded towards the end of his run and finished fourth – eight seconds down.
“It is an amazing feeling. I did not even think about it, to be honest. I was super relaxed coming in here,” Thomas said.
“I did not believe it was going to happen. I thought [Tony] Martin is going to beat me or someone is going to beat me, but it is just an amazing feeling. It is a great day.
“The roads are not too slippery if you don’t go too fast but the first corner, I took quite fast and I was told to go steady, so I took the rest within myself.
“I got the power out when it mattered. I felt good and paced it very well – I just can’t believe it.”
Thomas will defend the yellow jersey tomorrow at Sunday's 203.5km second stage, which goes from Dusseldorf to Liege, Belgium. Sportsbeat 2017