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Darren Rafferty’s Tour de Romandie prologue got off to a chaotic and frustrating start due to a wardrobe malfunction just as he was about to begin his time trial. The Irish EF Education-EasyPost rider, who is also the reigning national road race champion, faced a series of issues in the start house that added unnecessary stress before his effort.
As Rafferty lined up on the start ramp for the 3.44km prologue TT in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, he encountered problems with his race radio. A team staff member stepped in to assist, but time ran out, forcing Rafferty to push off and start his race without resolving the issue. To make matters worse, his aero suit wasn’t fully zipped up because the radio equipment seemed to be obstructing the zipper. As he rolled down the ramp, he was still trying to close the zip and wasn’t properly clipped into his pedals when he hit the road.
The mishap was particularly unfortunate given the short distance of the prologue, where even minor setbacks could lead to significant time losses. Rafferty, known for his strong time-trialing abilities, would have hoped for a smoother start to gauge his form against the competition. However, despite the challenges, he managed to finish the stage in 59th place, 16 seconds behind the winner, Samuel Watson (Ineos Grenadiers).
While the time gap was not ideal, the modest differences across the field mean it is unlikely to have a major impact on the overall general classification. Rafferty will have another opportunity to shine in the final stage of the race, which features a 17.1km time trial in Geneva. This TT includes a climb in the middle, a profile that should better suit his strengths compared to the short prologue.
Tour de Romandie, a key stage race in the professional cycling calendar, offers riders a mix of challenging terrain and time trials, making it a crucial test of versatility. For Rafferty, the prologue issues were a disappointing start to the race, but the Irish rider remains focused on the opportunities ahead, particularly the final time trial, where he can aim to make amends for his early setback.
The incident highlighted the fine margins and pressures of professional cycling, where even small technical issues can disrupt a rider’s performance. Rafferty’s ability to push through the mishap and complete the stage demonstrates his resilience, a quality that will serve him well as he continues his career in the demanding world of elite cycling.
Looking ahead, Rafferty and his team will likely review the prologue to ensure smoother preparations for the final TT. With his strong time-trialing pedigree, he remains a rider to watch as the race progresses and as he continues to develop his skills on the international stage. Fans and commentators alike will be keen to see how he bounces back in the remaining stages of the Tour de Romandie.
