Aleksandr Riabushenko came tantalizingly close to his first victory of the season in a fast sprint finish on Stage 1 of the Tour of the Alps.

Riabushenko led the bunch sprint home as they closed in on the two escapees, Gianni Moscon (Ineos-Grenadiers) and Idar Andersen (Uno-X) in the flat closing meters of the hilly Stage 1 from Brixen to Innsbruck (140.6k).

Riabushenko: “When I saw the stage profile I knew that it suited me very well. I put everything into the final sprint but unfortunately there were two riders who we couldn’t bring back, though we came very close. I’m happy with the condition and will look for another opportunity this week.”

 

Tomorrow stage 2 continues from from Innsbruck to Feichten im Kaunertal (121.5k) with a mountain finish.

Stage 1 results:

1.Gianni Moscon (INEOS Grendadiers)  3h29’24”

2.Idar Andersen (Uno-X Pro Cycling Team)  s.t.

3.Aleksandr Riabushenko (UAE Team Emirates) s.t. 

General Classification after stage 1:

1.Gianni Moscon (INEOS Grendadiers)  3h29’14”

2.Idar Andersen (Uno-X Pro Cycling Team)  +4”

3.Aleksandr Riabushenko (UAE Team Emirates) +6”