Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl (France) - Press Release: Our rider put in a stunning performance to become the first Belgian in 11 years to lead the race after the opening day.

Yves Lampaert stormed to victory on stage 1 of the Tour de France, a flat but rain-soaked 13.2km individual time trial, beating a host of specialists on his way to the prestigious Tour de France yellow jersey and making it five years in a row that a Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl rider has worn the iconic tunic.

“It’s incredible, I didn’t expect this and I don’t understand how it happened. I was thinking of a top 10, those were my expectations at the start, but somehow I managed to beat the best riders in the world. I’m just a farmer’s son from Belgium, so this is something I would have never dreamed of. My mind is exploding”, a teary-eyed Yves said in disbelief after the biggest victory of his career.

Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images.