Belkin played a prominent role in today's first stage of the Volta a Catalunya when Paul Martens and GC leader Wilco Kelderman both went on the attack in the finale. The team made use of YouTube to find out how to handle the race and ended up with a fourth place for Martens.

The first stage of the Volta a Catalunya in Spain went well for the Belkin Pro Cycling Team. Both Paul Martens and Wilco Kelderman attacked and raced a proactive 165.7 kilometres.

"It was hectic, not a really big road and with a lot of corners. Everyone wanted to be at the front," said Sports Director, Michiel Elijzen. "Paul Martens tried, Wilco tried. We were there in the final. Paul just didn't have power left for a sprint after his attack. We didn't end up on the podium but it was a good day."

Luka Mezgec (Giant-Shimano) won the stage starting and ending in Calella. Martens placed fourth. 

Martens races the Spanish stage race for the first time so he makes use of any information he can find. Ahead of the stage, he watched previous finishes in Calella and decided his tactic: attack over the climb 18 kilometres from the finish line.

"On YouTube I saw that it usually splits on the descent," Martens said. "I wanted to be at the front for the downhill and hopefully get ahead but it didn't work out with the headwind."

After a re-grouping, Martens went again, this time in the sprint.

"It was hectic, like sprinting a slalom. I had a good sprint but I went from too far out."

Elijzen expects another sprint tomorrow in the undulating stage to Girona. He explained,

"It depends on the weather, which is supposed to be bad tomorrow. That could change the tactics."

Martens added,

"Giant sees that they have a fast guy and they will try to control, but it will depend on the weather in the mountains."

You can read our preview of stage two here and follow our live coverage at 15.15 CET on CyclingQuotes.com/live.