German Marcel Kittel out-sprinted Peter Sagan to claim his first win at the Tour of California in the opening stage of the seven-day race in Sacramento on Sunday.
Kittel got some help from his teammates as he launched off the wheel of Quick-Step Floors partner Fabio Sabatini with about 800 metres remaining to beat reigning two-time world champ Sagan of Bora-Hansgrohe.
“I am really happy I could finally win a race here in California,” Kittel said. I always try to do my best.
“I rely on really strong and intelligent teammates. It is a mix of a lot of things, but in the end when it works it is a great feeling.
“My team did an incredible job. We had a good plan and did a good job of bringing me to the finish.”
Italy’s Elia Viviani finished third while Floris Gerts of the Netherlands placed fourth.
By winning the 167 kilometre first stage, Kittel nailed down the 80th win of his pro career.
The sprinting specialist, who turned 29 on Thursday, will enjoy wearing the yellow leader’s jersey for at least one day as the race moves into the mountain stage with a 143km ride from Modesto to San Jose on Monday.
The race opened in Sacramento and finishes May 20 at Pasadena.
Stage two offers six category climbs, the toughest up Mount Hamilton.
Stage five features a steep and long ascent to Mount Baldy among three category climbs.
Sprinters will have a penultimate sixth-stage 24km time trial Friday at Big Bear Lake to regain any lost ground ahead of the final 125km stage down to the finish.
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