Cycling news - Dylan Groenewegen wins sprint finish after windy conditions cause havoc in Stage 1

Updated 10/03/2019 at 15:31 GMT

Dylan Groenewegen won the first stage of Paris-Nice after an enthralling final sprint.

Dylan Groenewegen of Netherlands and Team Jumbo - Visma / Celebration / during the 45th Volta ao Algarve, Stage 4 a 198,3km stage from Albufeira to Tavira / VA / @VAlgarve2019 / on February 23, 2019 in Tavira, Portugal.

Image credit: Getty Images

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The Dutchman, who rides for Team Jumbo-visma, held off Caleb Ewan to win in a time of 3hrs 17mins 35secs. Fabio Jakobsen finished third.

Groenewegen edges Ewan on finish line of Stage 1

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However, much of the drama of a dramatic stage came earlier in the day as high winds split the peloton apart.

Only 60 riders made it into the main group after the crosswinds had their say, with Mark Cavendish and Marcel Kittel among those to miss out on the sprint finish.

When the run-in came it was Sonny Colbrelli who kicked things off with an early kick, but only Ewan really looked like challenging the powerful Groenewegen, narrowly failing to overhaul him before the line.

Michael Mathews was forced to withdraw from the race after a crash in the opening stage, while defending champion Marc Soler was among those who lost over a minute due to the conditions.

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