La Vuelta: Jumbo-Visma 'come from another planet' says amazed Patrick Lefevere after team time trial victory

QuickStep-Alpha Vinyl boss Patrick Lefevere was left stunned by how dominant Jumbo-Visma proved to be in the Stage 1 team time trial at La Vuelta a Espana. The Dutch team beat Ineos Grenadiers to top spot on the timesheet by 13 seconds to stamp their authority on the third and final Grand Tour of the season in a significant way in front of jubilant fans in Utrecht. Ad In clinching victory they also found the time to show respect and appreciation for one of the team's unsung heroes in Gesink, who has dedicated his career to supporting his team-mates while receiving little individual glory.

Vuelta a EspañaLa Vuelta: How to watch Stage 2 as Jumbo-Visma begin defence of red jersey15 HOURS AGO The margin of victory amazed Lefevere, who could not believe how a team could win with such a gap over the length of the team time trial in Utrecht. «They come from another planet,» Lefevere said, according to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad. «When I see how our boys took the corners, I wonder how the Jumbo riders did that.

With a car, you would say: 'on two wheels'. »I am not surprised by Jumbo-Visma's victory in itself, but by their lead. 14 seconds is a lot over 23 kilometres.

«We have to be satisfied with third place, after a time trial that was almost perfect. Along the way, we made one real mistake. Julian Alaphilippe peeled off the wrong side of the train once, against the instructions.