Team Bahrain Victorious got off to a great start at their first visit to the Tour de Hongrie as Phil Bauhaus sprinted to victory on Stage 1.

The 173km stage started in Siófok, featuring a relatively flat stage with only one category three climb. An early breakaway formed from about 20km into the race, and on the Igal climb, they had a gap of around three minutes. The peloton always managed the gap with several teams looking for the bunch sprint.

With around 7km to go, the race was all back together. The teams were then fighting for position in the lead out to the sprint. Bauhaus was able to launch his sprint and take the victory in Kaposvár. With the win, Bauhaus goes into the leader and the points jersey.

Bauhaus was delighted with the win: “It was a controlled race, and everyone expected the bunch sprint. We were really good together, and we executed our goals well. In the last corner, with 1.2km to go, I needed to be in front, and I made my way up to the front, and I could fight for the good wheels. I felt really good, and I still had a lot of power for the sprint to go for the win.

It’s good news for the team following the bad news from the Giro with Mikel. I hope it gives everyone morale for the next days for the guys at the Giro, and it’s important for our team in general.”

It was also the first race for the first Bahraini rider Ahmed Madan, who was happy to make his debut and for the team to win: “It was a perfect first day of racing with the team. All the guys were really welcoming and helpful with my first race. The team all stayed together, and I was moving well with the team. I pulled back when the pace picked up for the sprint, but the guys did a perfect job and took the win.

After the race, we heard the news about Mikel’s crash, and I really hope he recovers soon.”