MARTIGNY, Switzerland, April 26, 2011 – Spaniard Jonathan Castroviejo won the three kilometer prologue of the six day Tour de Romandie on Tuesday.

US rider Taylor Phinney was second in the time trial through the streets of Martigny, followed by Australia’s Leigh Howard in third place.

Castroviejo admitted he was surprised by his win and played down his chances of overall victory.

“I am first to be surprised. I race well against time, but to win from here, there is still a way to go,” he said.

He added that he had been able to win after taking advice from his teammates, who “told me to do all I can at the bends, which I did.”

Meanwhile, former world champion Cadel Evans, who missed this month’s Ardennes Classics due to a knee injury, finished in 25th place.

In an interview with Swiss television TSR, Evans acknowledged that given his return from injury, he was not expecting much from the race.

He added that his main target for this year is July’s Tour de France.

Wednesday’s first stage will take the riders up the Swiss alps, through Chateau d’Oex to Gstaad and the Pillon pass (1,546 meters) before arriving in Leysin (1,318 meters).

Results:
1. Jonathan Castroviejo (ESP) 3’40″42,
2. Taylor Phinney (USA) s.t.,
3. Leigh Howard (AUS) at 1,
4. Geoffroy Lequatre (FRA) 2,
5. David Millar (GBR) 2,
6. Dennis van Winden (NED) 3,
7. Patrick Gretsch (GER) 3,
8. Mark Renshaw (AUS) 4,
9. Alexandre Vinokourov (KAZ) 4,
10. Daniele Bennati (ITA) 4

Article:AFP
Photo: Corvos