The opening stage of the Italian five-day race unfolded as a typical sprinter’s stage. Five riders broke away early but never gained more than a three-minute advantage. Once the breakaway was reeled in with ten kilometers to go, the peloton prepared for a bunch sprint. Team Visma | Lease a Bike chose not to contest the final dash and instead ensured a safe finish.

"We got through the stage well", sports director Robert Wagner said. "On paper, this was the easiest stage of the week. With no major climbs, it was tailor-made for the sprinters. For us, the main goal was to start the race on the right foot and be ready for tomorrow. That’s when the real challenge begins."

Wagner refers to the stage to Sogliano, which features significant elevation gain. "That will be a day for the GC contenders. We came here with big ambitions and want to compete with the best. Ben is in good form, and we’ll see how Thomas and Jørgen are doing. Our goal is to be a factor in the overall classification."