Volta a Catalunya 2018 Stage 1: Álvaro José Hodeg sprints to leader’s jersey

The Volta a Catalunya sets off with a stage from Calella to Calella. The undulating route doesn't hinder a bunch sprint. Following a strong QuickStep lead-out young Álvaro José Hodeg sprints to victory. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 1st stage 2018 Volta a Catalunya

1. Álvaro José Hodeg (col)
2. Sam Bennett (irl) s.t.
3. Jay McCarthy (aus) s.t.
4. Michael Mørkøv (den) s.t.
5. Roberto Ferrari (ita) s.t.
6. Niccolo Bonifazio (ita) s.t.
7. Nacer Bouhanni (fra) s.t.
8. Alejandro Valverde (spa) s.t.
9. Matej Mohorič (slo) s.t.
10. Zakarias Dempster (aus) z.t

GC afer the 1st stage
1. Álvaro José Hodeg (col)
2. Sam Bennett (irl) + 0.04
3. Andriy Grivko (ukr) + 0.05
4. Jay McCarthy (aus) + 0.06
5. Michael Mørkøv (den) + 0.10
6. Roberto Ferrari (ita) s.t.
7. Niccolo Bonifazio (ita) s.t.
8. Nacer Bouhanni (fra) s.t.
9. Alejandro Valverde (spa) s.t.
10. Matej Mohorič (slo) s.t.

Race report
Andriy Grivko is the first attacker in the 2018 Volta a Catalunya before he is rejoined by Antonio Molina, Tom Bohli, Daniel Turek and Jésus Ezquerra. Markel Irizar tracks them down and with six they race to a lead of 3 minutes.

On the lower slopes of the only climb, Port de Collsacreu, Jesús Ezquerra is the last escapee to be reeled in. Then Wilmar Paredes jumps clear to pocket the KOM points before he drops back. The Colombian wears the mountain jersey tomorrow.

In the ensuing sprint Álvaro José Hodeg powers to victory ahead of Sam Bennett and Jay McCarthy. The 21-year old Colombian is the first leader in the Volta a Catalunya.

Read also: route 1st stage 2018 Volta a Catalunya

Volta a Catalunya 2018 stage 1: Route maps, height profiles, and more

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