Belgian Van Moer surprises the sprinters and solos to Dauphine Stage 1 Victory

Belgium's Lotto rider Brent Van Moer won the first stage of the Criterium du Dauphine, a first career victory that saw him also take hold of the leader's jersey

Van Moer, part of an early breakaway with three others, resisted efforts to reel him in by the main peloton which was left to mass sprint for second after the 181.9km stage.

It was a stunning result for the 23-year-old, who crashed out of the 2020 Dauphine on the very first day last August.

Italian Sonny Colbrelli came across the line in second, 25 seconds off the pace.

Brent van Moer said, "Last week I was really disappointed I did also a great solo but in the end I had some bad luck but today I want to show that I can finish it off and I'm really happy that I can do it in the Dauphiné in between all the big names."

"The plan was to be in the break and hope some good names went with me and then I took all the points for the KOM jersey and then in the end I feel really good and I go alone and I'm really happy that I can finish it off."

"It's unbelievable to take my first professional victory at such a big race." 

Chris Froome who has been training at atitude and is using the Dauphine to attempt a 5th Tour de France title, finished in the bunch in 75th place.

Pre-race favorite Geraint Thomas (Ineos) also finished in the peloton, the team helped control the breakaway's lead.

Monday's second stage sees riders tackle a 173km course between Brioude and Saugues, featuring two climbs in the final 15km.

The Dauphine has six further stages and ends in the French alpine resort of Les Gets on Sunday.

VIDEO: 2021 Criterium du Dauphine Stage 1 Highlights

2021 Criterium du Dauphine Stage 1 Top 10

1. Brent van Moer (Lotto-Soudal) 4:12:49
2. Sonny Colbrelli (Team Bahrain Victorious) +30"
3. Clément Venturini (AG2R Citroën Team) +32"
4. Patrick Gamper (Bora Hansgrohe) +33"
5. Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo) +36"
6. Kaden Groves (Team BikeExchange) +36"
7. Nils Politt (Borah Hansgrohe) +36"
8. Michal Kwiatkowski (Team INEOS) +36"
9. Kasper Asgreen (Deceuninck - Quick Step) +36"
10. Alex Aranburu (Astana Premier Tech) +36"