Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) has begun his campaign at Itzulia Basque Country (2.UWT) with a performance that keeps him very much in the hunt for a general classification result in the week ahead.
The Irish rider, who this year is targeting general classification in some stage races for the first time, has focused on a less hectic start to the season compared to last year, meaning his form should now be building as he looks towards the Ardennes.
There are three Irish riders in the action in Spain this week, with Eddie Dunbar (Team Jayco AlUla) making his scheduled return to racing after his crash at Tirreno-Adriatico (2.UWT) three weeks ago. Though his performance yesterday was not as good as his very strong TT at Tirreno, the fact Dunbar has returned to racing is good news.
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Archie Ryan (EF Education-EasyPost) is also back in stage race action for the first time this year. Ryan, who will likely be on team duties for Healy depending on how the week unfolds, had some recent illness issues. But his 11th place at GP Miguel Indurain at the weekend suggests his form is coming good.
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In the 16.5km TT yesterday in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Max Schachmann (Soudal Quick-Step) took his first win for almost two years when he beat one of the GC favourites, João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), but just over half a second.
Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) was 3rd at, just over seven tenths of a second down on the winner, to complete what was a very tight stage podium. Healy took 11th, losing just 18 seconds ahead of today's 196km stage, which should favour the sprinters. Dunbar was 31st at 44 seconds while Ryan placed 134th at 1:56.
