Rohan Dennis (Jumbo-Visma) finished second in the prologue, but was unable to claim the first leader's jersey in the 2022 Tour de Romandie, missing the podium by four seconds.

Australian time trial champion Dennis followed winner Ethan Hayter (Ineos Grenadiers) out of the start gate and into the streets of Lausanne. On the 5.12 km course of the Tour de Romandie's opening race, Dennis had a clear goal: an average speed of over 52 km/h.

The early stages looked within reach of Hayter's mark, but even as Dennis, a two-time world champion in time trials, rounded the final bend, the clock continued to exceed his target time of 5:52.

"The last corner didn't go well," Dennis said. 'I gave it my all for the first few kilometers. I got a little dizzy at the end of the prologue, but I think it was hard to beat Ethan today."

Dennis, who won the prologue in 2021, finished in 5:56, four seconds behind his former teammate Hayter. Felix Großschartner (Bora-Hansgrohe) finished third, six seconds behind and just ahead of 2021 winner Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers).

"I have to be happy with my race," said Thomas. Of course I wanted to win, but I can't blame myself, I gave it everything I had. One rider was stronger than the other today. Hats off to Ethan."

According to sport director Melgin Zeman, Jumbo Visma went into the Tour of Romandie with "a stage win and a chance for GC. Although he did not win this time, Dennis set a positive tone for the race, which began and ended with a race against the clock.

"I'm definitely in good shape for the rest of this Tour," said Dennis, who last year finished 17th overall while supporting then-teammates Thomas and Richie Porte.