Tao Geoghegan Hart was energizing the race through the early part of the Hammer Series' opening stage on Friday. He made the lead group and was scoring big points for Team Sky. The British rider looked like he was going to start challenging Carlos Betancur (Movistar) for more climb sprints after taking the important maximum double points on lap seven.

Unfortunately, disaster struck on the descent. He crashed after clipping a pedal around a corner. With the high pace of the leaders, there appeared to be little chance he would contend for anymore significant points. Fortunately, the race got tactical on the final laps, and he was able to fight back to score points and help Sky maintain a solid placing going into the Hammer Sprint on Saturday.

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