Novara, 23 August (LaPresse) – Jasper Philipsen won the first stage of the Vuelta a España, which started in Italy for the first time, sprinting to victory in the flat 186 km stage from Turin to Novara. Behind the Belgian sprinter were Ethan Vernon (Israel-Premier Tech) and Orluis Aular (Movistar Team). Elia Viviani (Lotto) was the best Italian in fourth place. With this victory, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider also takes the red jersey as leader of the general classification of the Spanish race, which started in Piedmont. Alessandro Verre (Arkea-B&B Hotels) was also in the spotlight today, featuring in the first breakaway and taking the polka dot jersey as leader of the climbers' classification after crossing the line first in the only mountain pass of the day. Tomorrow, the second stage of the Vuelta is scheduled, again in Piedmont, starting from Alba and finishing with a climb to Limone Piemonte after 157 km.
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