Julius Johansen took the first professional win of his career after winning the opening stage of O Gran Camiño for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
The 26-year-old Dane was quickest in the individual time trial, covering the 15-kilometre course in 17 minutes and 43 seconds to take the race lead.
He finished 15 seconds clear of Rafael Reis of Anicolor-Tien 21, with Nelson Oliveira placing third overall after the opening stage.
It was a strong start for the UAE squad in Spain, with Johansen delivering the result of the day and Adam Yates also placing well.
Yates, who is better known for his climbing than his time trial work, finished sixth to put himself in a solid position for the stages to come.
Johansen’s win gives UAE Team Emirates-XRG the early advantage in the general classification as the race moves beyond its opening test against the clock.
For Johansen, it was a landmark result. While he has long been regarded as a strong engine in the peloton, this was the first time he turned that strength into a win at professional level.
