DUESSELDORF, Germany – Chris Froome’s most loyal support rider finally got some glory of his own.
Geraint Thomas won the wet and slippery opening stage of the Tour de France on Saturday and claimed the yellow jersey.
It was the first Grand Tour stage victory for Thomas, who has escorted Sky teammate Froome to Paris for three Tour victories.
Thomas took just over 16 minutes to cover the almost entirely flat 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) individual time trial up and down the banks of the Rhine River in downtown Duesseldorf.
Stefan Kueng finished second, five seconds behind, and Vasil Kiryienka was third, seven seconds back.
Froome finished sixth, 12 seconds behind, and gained time on all of his expected challengers. He finished about 40 seconds ahead of Richie Porte and Nairo Quintana.