Tirreno-Adriatico 2020: Ackermann sprints to first leader's jersey

The opener of the Race of the Two Seas comes down to a clash of fast men. Pascal Ackermann outguns Fernando Gaviria in a fascinating millemetres sprint. Obviously, the German is the first leader in the GC. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 1st stage Tirreno-Adriatico

1. Pascal Ackermann (ger)
2. Fernando Gaviria (col) s.t.
3. Magnus Cort (den) s.t.
4. Szymon Sajnok (pol) s.t.
5. Davide Cimolai (ita) s.t.
6. Andrea Vendrame (ita) s.t.
7. Jonas Rickaert (bel) s.t.
8. Romain Seigle (fra) s.t.
9. Piet Allegaert (bel) s.t.
10. Pascal Eenkhoorn (nld) s.t.

GC after stage 1
1. Pascal Ackermann (ger)
2. Fernando Gaviria (col) + 0.04
3. Magnus Cort (den) + 0.06
4. Michael Matthews (aus) + 0.09
5. Szymon Sajnok (pol) + 0.10
6. Davide Cimolai (ita) s.t.
7. Andrea Vendrame (ita) s.t.
8. Jonas Rickaert (bel) s.t.
9. Romain Seigle (fra) s.t.
10. Piet Allegaert (bel) s.t.

Race report
A breakaway of four - Simon Pellaud, Daniel Savini, Nathan Haas and Paul Martens - opens up a gap of almost 4 minutes before the peloton takes the reins.

Marten and Pellaud are the remaining attackers when the pack reels them in with 18 kilometres to go.

Cort opens the sprints inside the last 200 metres, but Gaviria comes storming passed him. He opens up a safe gap, or so it seems, as then appears Ackermann out of nowhere. He wins the race with a bike throw at the finish line.

Another interesting read: route 1st stage 2020 Tirreno-Adriatico.