BORA-hansgrohe Team (Italy) - Press Release: In its 55th edition, the race between the seas was extended to eight days this year. Today's stage commenced on the Tyrrhenian coast with a 133 km-long stage around Lido di Camaiore. After a hilly start, the second half of the race continued on a flat course before the day was concluded in a sprint finale.

A group of six riders got away quickly after the start gun, yet after 50 km of racing, only two riders remained up front while the field held the leading riders on a tight leash, and as such, their advantage never extended beyond two minutes. With 18 km still to race, the leading duo was unable to hold off the chasing peloton, and the two escapees were ultimately caught. At this point, BORA - hansgrohe, who had high hopes on this course that was suited to the fast men, prepared for the finale to bring Pascal Ackermann into a good position. In a hectic finish, the German sprinter timed his run to the finish perfectly and was able to pull past F. Gaviria, who initially looked like the sure winner, to take the win on the opening stage. With this victory, his fifth of the season, Pascal will also don the leader's Jersey on tomorrow's stage.

Result:

1. P. Ackermann: 2:57:55
2. F. Gaviria: +0:00
3. M. Cort: +0:00
4. S. Sajnok: +0:00