Julius Johansen entered the opening stage of O Gran Camiño as the final rider to depart, but he left as the man to beat. The 26-year-old Dane delivered a commanding performance in the 14.8-kilometre individual time trial through A Coruña, securing his first professional victory and claiming the early leader’s jersey for UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
The urban course, which culminated near the historic Torre de Hércules lighthouse, proved to be a masterclass in pacing for Johansen. Despite a technical glitch that left him riding blind regarding his power output, the Dane was the fastest rider at every intermediate checkpoint, marking the 19th win of the season for his squad.
For Johansen, the win was as much a mental victory as a physical one. He faced a field of seasoned specialists and a course characterized by rolling hills and exposed headlands. The victory not only marks a personal milestone in his career but establishes a strategic advantage for UAE Team Emirates-XRG heading into the second stage of the five-day event.
Overcoming Technical Turbulence
The victory was not without its frustrations. Johansen later revealed that his power meter—a critical tool for time trialists to maintain a steady, optimal effort—was likely miscalibrated. For much of the ride, the device showed an output of only 30 Watts, a figure far below what is required for a professional winning effort.
Forced to rely on feel and the guidance of his team car, Johansen had to trust the split times being radioed to him. By the first checkpoint, he held a nine-second lead over Iván Romeo. By the second, he had extended his advantage to five seconds over the favorites. The lack of data created a void of certainty that Johansen had to fill with raw instinct.
“Of course, it was frustrating. But I’m just extremely proud of what I did. I didn’t have a clue what time it’d end in and if I would be best time, top five or top ten,” Johansen said. “Then, when they told me I won, I almost couldn’t believe it. Sitting here now is amazing.”
A Battle of Specialists in A Coruña
The road to the podium was a volatile sequence of shifting leads. Early in the day, Spanish National TT Champion Abel Balderstone of Caja Rural-Seguros RGA set a benchmark of 18:41. That mark was quickly erased by 21-year-old Jørgen Nordhagen of Visma-Lease a Bike, who clocked an 18:11, signaling that the day would be won with a sub-18:20 time.
Much of the spectator interest centered on Adam Yates, a primary favorite for the overall general classification. Yates appeared strong on the 1.5-kilometre San Pedro category 4 climb and maintained high speeds across the broad boulevards of the seafront. Whereas he finished sixth overall—40 seconds behind Johansen—his performance ensures he remains a threat for the final podium in the overall standings.
The tension peaked in the final few riders. Nelson Oliveira, the Movistar veteran and former time trial specialist, briefly held the top spot, threatening to secure his first victory in a decade. However, he was pipped at the line by Rafael Reis of Anicolor Campicarn. Reis, a former European TT champion and former teammate of Johansen, produced a blistering second half of the course to take second place, finishing 16 seconds behind the Dane.
Stage 1 Top Results
| Rider | Team | Gap to Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Julius Johansen | UAE Team Emirates-XRG | — |
| Rafael Reis | Anicolor Campicarn | +16s |
| Nelson Oliveira | Movistar | +16.7s |
| Jørgen Nordhagen | Visma-Lease a Bike | + (TBD) |
| Adam Yates | UAE Team Emirates-XRG | +40s |
Chaos on the Cobbles
While the leaders found their rhythm, others found disaster. Iván Romeo of Movistar appeared to be on a winning trajectory until he hit the cobbled section of the course. A puncture—one of several reported by riders on that specific stretch—forced a frantic bike change and a series of frustrations that stripped away any chance of a podium finish.
The nature of the course, combining urban seafront stretches with exposed headlands and technical paving, amplified the impact of such mechanical failures. The wind, which Johansen noted was a significant factor, added an extra layer of difficulty for those fighting to maintain their aerodynamic tuck.
For Johansen, the victory was sweetened by the familiarity of the competition. He noted the irony of beating Rafael Reis, acknowledging that he had seen Reis’s strong training times just before his own start. “It’s really funny to beat Rafael,” Johansen remarked, citing their history as teammates.
As the race transitions from the urban sprawl of A Coruña into the more rugged terrain of the subsequent stages, the focus shifts from raw power to endurance and climbing ability. While Johansen holds the jersey, the proximity of Adam Yates in the standings suggests a tactical battle is looming for the overall title.
The peloton now prepares for Stage 2, where the focus will shift toward the mountainous terrain that typically defines the decisive moments of O Gran Camiño. Riders will look to bridge the gaps created in the A Coruña time trial as the race moves toward its conclusion.
Join the conversation: Do you suppose Johansen can defend his lead, or will the climbers take over in the coming stages? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
