Teutenberg takes opening stage

Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (HTC-Columbia) won the opening stage of the Holland Ladies Tour, besting Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) and Kirsten Wild (Cervelo TestTeam) in the field sprint at the 112.4km stage's conclusion. Teutenberg's victory, her 22nd of the season, also earned her the first leader's jersey of the seven-day stage race.

"Ina was a little uncertain of her condition because she hasn't raced for a while, but she proved today she's in great form," said HTC-Columbia Sports Director Rene Wenzel. "Once it became clear it was going to be a bunch sprint, we worked hard for Ina to make sure she had her chance. It was a very tricky, technical stage, with a very technical finish that strung the riders out and the sprint was very close, but Ina got it."

Teutenberg took third overall in the same race last year, in which she also won a stage. "Ina has a five-second advantage, which is pretty slim, but last year the race was won by just a couple of seconds so we'll do what we can," said Wenzel. "Looking further ahead, too, to the World Championships this September, this is a very encouraging result for Ina."

The peloton faces a 107km stage on Wednesday in Leende.