Britain’s Samuel Watson won Tuesday’s opening time trial prologue at the Tour of Romandie, with Belgian favourite Remco Evenepoel finishing eighth.
Watson, of Ineos Grenadiers, edged out UAE Team Emirates’ Portuguese rider Ivo Oliveira by milliseconds to claim the leader’s yellow jersey for the first time in his career after the 3.44km route in Saint Imier, Switzerland.
The 23-year-old says he only felt “pain” in the gruelling photo-finish, after receiving a late call-up to the race.
“I did not expect it to be honest,” said Watson.
“I was out training in Andorra yesterday and I got a call from the team saying to get to the airport as soon as I could because I’m racing Romandie tomorrow. Here I am with a victory. It’s so special.
“All I felt was pain. I crossed the line and I didn’t know I was leading until the first interview, so it’s quite a nice surprise.
“It’s not really set in yet. To say I’ve won my first WorldTour race with Ineos Grenadiers, my first win with them, is a dream.
“It definitely gives me some confidence going into the next stages. I was at the end of quite a hard three-day block so today fills with me confidence. On paper, this race suits me.”
Stage one begins on Wednesday when the riders will face a 194.4km route, including four categorised climbs.
