Italian time trial champion Marco Pinotti (HTC-Columbia) took his first victory of the year today in the opening prologue of the Tour of Romandie.  Pinotti scorched the 4.3 kilometer course in Porrentruy beating young Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Doimo) by a single second, with Jeremy Roy (Française des Jeux) finishing in third a further second behind.

Pinotti also secured the race’s first leader’s jersey for his efforts.  Today’s win extends the HTC-Columbia winning streak in the opening stage of the Swiss race that started with Mark Cavendish in 2008, who was then followed by Frantisek Rabon in 2009.  The Italian’s best finish in the event was third overall in 2008.

“I couldn’t be happier. I’ve done well in this race before, finishing third in 2008 and I knew I was in good shape after the Tour of the Basque Country in Spain so I was hoping for a good result.”

“This is the last race I do before the Giro d’Italia, and this confirms I’m on the right track for May, too.”

Pinotti said he will work hard to try to defend his lead:  “There are a lot of strong riders and big names here so it won’t be easy, but I’ll do my best to keep the lead.

“I’ve finished third overall here before and the team’s done really well in Romandie in previous years, so I can feel confident and I know I’ll get all the support I need.”

Last year’s winner, Roman Kreuziger (Liquigas-Doimo), finished six seconds back, with Pinotti’s teammate Michael Rogers also showing good form just three seconds off the pace.

Tomorrow’s stage will take the peloton 175.6 kilometers from Porrentruy to Fleurier.  The riders will face two category one climbs in the first half of the stage, with one of category two climb situated just over 40 kilometers from the finish.

2010 Tour of Romandie prologue results:
1. Marco Pinotti (HTC Columbia) 5:17
2. Peter Sagan (Doimo Liquigas) 5:18
3. Jeremy Roy (Française des Jeux) 5:20
4. Michael Rogers (HTC Columbia) 5:20
5. Rick Flens (Rabobank) 5:21
6. Christophe Moreau (Caisse d’Epargne) 5:22
7. Greg Henderson (Team Sky) 5:23
8. Roman Kreuziger (Liquigas Doimo) 5:23
9. Ruben Plaza (Caisse d’Epargne) 5:23