Doncaster's Connor Swift finishes Stage 1 of Tour de France in 18th

Doncaster’s Connor Swift made a hugely impressive start to his first ever Tour de France by finishing Stage 1 in 18th place.
By Paul Goodwin
Published 29th Aug 2020, 19:17 GMT
Updated 29th Aug 2020, 19:23 GMT
Connor Swift competes during the 15,5 km individual time trial 4th stage of the 78th Paris - Nice cycling race stage between Saint-Amand-Montrond and Saint-Amand-Montrond, on March 11, 2020. Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty ImagesConnor Swift competes during the 15,5 km individual time trial 4th stage of the 78th Paris - Nice cycling race stage between Saint-Amand-Montrond and Saint-Amand-Montrond, on March 11, 2020. Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images
Connor Swift competes during the 15,5 km individual time trial 4th stage of the 78th Paris - Nice cycling race stage between Saint-Amand-Montrond and Saint-Amand-Montrond, on March 11, 2020. Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images

Swift, 24, from Thorne, produced an incredibly mature ride in treacherous conditions and featured in the sprint finish.

A peloton of 176 riders started the 107th edition of the world’s most prestigious cycle race in Nice but heavy rain resulted in several crashes.

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Norway’s Alexander Kristoff of UAE Team Emirates claimed the yellow jersey with a well-timed sprint finish.

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Swift, representing the French Arkéa-Samsic squad, is riding in only his fifth competition at World Tour level after a stunning rise to prominence which followed victory in the UK road race championships two years ago.

Riders will face a 186km mountainous second stage on Sunday, with two climbs above 1,500m.

The race lasts three weeks and covers a total of 3,470km.

Related topics:DoncasterTour de FranceThorneNorway