The team worked hard in the opening kilometers during the stage to Argentan, closing breaks and making moves before Miguel joined a key break with around 50km to go. Although he was isolated, Miguel more than held his own as the reduced group caught the early break and then set about deciding the opening stage and the first leader’s jersey of this year’s race.

With EF Education-Aevolo making their debut in the race, Miguel raced with his heart on his sleeve, and when the front of the race was reduced to just five riders inside the last 20km, he was still there and taking turns.

“It was really hard. Today it started with a crazy pace, and everyone wanted to be at the front, but my teammates and I did a really good job, and in the crosswind section I was there when it was down to about 20 riders. When we hit the finish circuit, we did three laps with a tough climb. One rider attacked on the second lap, and I went with him, and then it was down to just five riders. In the end, I had cramps in my legs, but I gave everything I had until the finish,” Miguel said.

Miguel’s gutsy performance ensured that he clung on for fourth, just behind the top three but ahead of the chasing pack. The 20-year-old now sits fourth overall, 29 seconds off the current best time.

Although it wasn’t a victory on paper, the result felt almost as good as a win for our Colombian star.

“This was one of the best performances of my life. I have won races back home, but this is my best ride in Europe, for sure, and I’m super proud,” he said.

“The weather was bad too: rain at the start, and then again in the last 40km it was raining again, but now this result is great motivation for my other EF Education-Aevolo teammates and me. We’re happy with the start, but we always want more,” Miguel added.

Good luck on stage 2 guys!