Alexander Kristoff is more than just a leader; the 35-year-old's move to Uno X smacked of a veteran closing out his career as the team makes its Tour de France debut and passes the baton to the next generation.

But Christophe, showing no signs of age-related decline, proved he can contribute more than experience by winning the opening stage of the Volta ao Algarve on Wednesday.

"It's always nice to win, but especially for a new team," Christophe told reporters in Lagos, including Cycling News.

"They expect a lot from me. They expect a lot from me.

Kristoff may be far from his prime from 2014 to 2017, but he has consistently won big races and has at least one win every season since 2011.

"I think I'm a little slower than I was a few years ago, but I didn't see it that way this time. A lot of the young kids are really fast, but I was the first to cross the line, so I can still shine sometimes."

In many ways, Christophe's victory was a classic win: a hard slog rather than pure speed.

Fabio Jacobsen, the overwhelming favorite, faded early in a strong headwind under a dreary Lagos sky.

"There is a sense of relief," Christophe said of his frustration at his fourth-place finish in Sunday's Clasica de Almeria.

"I wasn't happy with myself in Almeria. I was not strong enough. I was in a good position, but I didn't get the result. I put a lot of pressure on myself there because I wanted to perform. I wasn't very happy with myself, but I'm happy now.

Christophe's victory feels like an important moment for Uno X, which has been making remarkable progress in recent years.

They were aiming to be promoted to the World Tour in 2023, and their debut in the Tour de France in July was their biggest season to date as they evolved from a "development" team to a true force, despite their pro team status.

"They already function like a World Tour team," Christophe noted. They have young riders, but they perform just as well as the more experienced riders."

"We have a lot of young riders, but they perform just as well as the more experienced riders.

"I had the best lead-out here. In the end I only had to sprint for about 100 meters. They put me on a silver platter. I couldn't have had a better leadout.

Kristoff gave special credit to Søren Verenskjold, who led him well in the sprint.

The 22-year-old is one of Uno-X's breakout Norwegian talents, having won the U23 World Time Trial title last year and having already given Uno-X its first win of 2023 in the Saudi Arabian Tour.

"What he can do is unbelievable," Kristoff said.

"If it had been me in front of him, I think he would have won today. He is incredibly strong in the time trial. I can't wait to see what he can do this season. He has a bright future ahead of him."

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Meanwhile, Werenskjold emphasized the value that Kristof brings to the team of 19 Norwegians and 9 Danes.

"He is a big Norwegian star and means a lot to Norwegian cycling. I've followed him for many years and at first it was very special to ride with him, but now that we know each other it feels a bit more normal," Werenskjold said.

"He is a hardworking guy. He encourages the young riders on the team to work hard for what they want to accomplish in the future. He makes them believe that it is possible to be a world-class cyclist. 0]

With the emergence of riders like Werrenskjold and GC candidate Tobias Halland Johannessen, it feels like Uno X's time has come.

"I have no doubt that great results will come from us this year," Christophe concluded.

"There is no doubt about that."