Bardet's DSM wins rainy time trial to start Spanish Vuelta. Evenepoel opens gap over Jumbo-Visma

The Dutch DSM-Firmenich team cyclists celebrate on the podium after... — The Dutch DSM-Firmenich team cyclists celebrate on the podium after winning the time-trial on the first stage of La Vuelta cycling race in Barcelona, Spain, Aug. 26, 2023. DSM-Firmenich's Lorenzo Milesi of Italy is now leader after the first stage. Credit: AP/Lorena Sopena

By The Associated PressUpdated August 26, 2023

BARCELONA, Spain — The DSM–Firmenich team of Romain Bardet won a rainy team time trial through the streets of Barcelona to kick off the Spanish Vuelta on Saturday.

Defending champion Remco Evenepoel complained about the poor riding conditions caused by the rainfall and early nightfall. His Soudal-Quickstep and other teams raced in near darkness.

DSM marked the best time of 17 minutes, 30 seconds and Lorenzo Milesi will be the first rider to wear the red jersey for the three-week race.

Evenepoel was visibly upset when he crossed the finish line, saying, “We are not monkeys in a circus.”

The Belgian time trialing world champion was apparently upset that his team, which started last as last year’s winner, had to ride in the darkness due to the clouds that made nightfall come earlier than expected – and provided much needed rain for the drought-stricken area.

He said they had “water in the face” and (could not) see “one meter in front of you.”

Evenepoel’s Soudal-Quickstep was only six seconds slower than DSM and opened an early 22-second gap over Jumbo-Visma.