Ruta del Sol 2018: Sprint victory and leader's jersey for Thomas Boudat in Granada

At almost 200 kilometres, stage 1 in the Ruta del Sol travels from Mijas to Granada. Although the route takes in a number of intermediate climb the race comes down do a bunch sprint with Thomas Boudat turning out on top, although it was an excruciatingly close photo-finish with Sacha Modolo second. Boudat is the first overall leader. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 1st stage 2018 Ruta del Sol

1. Thomas Boudat (fra)
2. Sacha Modolo (ita) s.t.
3. Clement Venturini (fra) s.t.
4. Andrea Pasqualon (ita) s.t.
5. Tosh Van der Sande (bel) s.t.
6. Carlos Barbero (spa) s.t.
7. Jonas Koch (ger) s.t.
8. Moreno Hofland (nld) s.t.
9. Enrico Battaglin (ita) s.t.
10. Jan Tratnik (slo) s.t.

GC after the 1st stage
1. Thomas Boudat (fra)
2. Sacha Modolo (ita) s.t.
3. Clement Venturini (fra) s.t.
4. Andrea Pasqualon (ita) s.t.
5. Tosh Van der Sande (bel) s.t.
6. Carlos Barbero (spa) s.t.
7. Jonas Koch (ger) s.t.
8. Moreno Hofland (nld) s.t.
9. Enrico Battaglin (ita) s.t.
10. Jan Tratnik (slo) s.t.

Race report
The first breakaway at the Ruta del Sol features five riders, Silvan Dillier, Garikoitz Bravo, Romain Sicard, Txomin Juaristi and Lluís Más. With a lead of 5 minutes they tackle the Puerto de Zafarray and they hold it there for quite a while, but with 50 kms the lead starts to crumble and 13 kilometres before the line Dillier is the last rider to be reeled in.

Jon Ander Insausti and Pablo Torres both put on short shows, but their efforts are neutralized.

In the ensuing sprint Sacha Modolo looks to be flying to victory, but 23-year old Thomas Baudat outwits him in the final metres.