Steven Kruijswijk has started the Vuelta ciclista a España with a solid time trial. In the streets of Malaga, the rider of Team LottoNL-Jumbo clocked a time of 10:08 and lost 29 seconds to stage winner Rohan Dennis. Co-leader George Bennett lost thirteen seconds more than his Dutch teammate.

“Both Steven and George have started the Vuelta well”, sports director Grischa Niermann said. “They are both in a good shape and they both had a good feeling. Without specialists in time trials present we have done a good job. Our GC guys didn’t lose too much time, neither did they gain some time on their direct competitors.”

Tomorrow is already the first uphill finish in Caminito del Rey. “It is a difficult stage, with a difficult final. The final climb has an average of only four percent. I therefore expect no major differences. Above all, it is the most important to stay focused and alert.”