Godon powers to prologue win at Tour de Romandie

Dorian Godon took a powerful prologue win on the first day of the Tour of Romandie.

The Frenchman sailed into the hot seat after an impressive performance, clocking a time of three minutes and 35 seconds over the flat 3.2-kilometre course in Villars-sur-Glane.

Godon held onto the top spot unchallenged, with Ivo Olivera (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) his closest competitor, over six seconds behind.

Carlos Rodriguez was the next rider home from the team, 17 seconds back on his teammate, while Oscar Onley also got his GC challenge under way in Switzerland.

Speaking after his win, Godon said:

“I was fourth a couple of years ago in the prologue at this race, so it’s really nice to take the win this time. It was a big effort today but I really enjoyed it, and took some risks to get the win. Obviously Sam Watson got the win here last year so the team is really happy that we’re able to take the win here again.

“I wanted to win at least one stage at this race, so it’s nice to get it in early and be able to wear the yellow jersey tomorrow. To have had wins at Paris-Nice and Catalunya, and now here, I just want to win at every race.

“It’s not easy to beat [Tadej] Pogacar, and I think he took less risks than me, so I’m really happy with how I performed. I’m proud of myself for that ride. Everyone had similar conditions today really so just had to hold on and wait, so it’s super nice to get the win after that.”

Tomorrow’s stage will see Godon in the yellow jersey, with the riders tackling the category three climb La Rasse three times, before taking on the category one Ovronnaz climb.