Belgian rider De Decker died earlier this week as a result of severe injuries he sustained after crashing into the back of a car during training.

In tough conditions, Denmark's Kron made his move with three kilometres to go, crossing the finish line seven seconds ahead of a group of pursuers. Kaden Groves (24, Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Andrea Vendrame (29, AG2R Citroen) were second and third.

Saturday's first stage was affected by rain and there was no respite on the second stage either, with weather protocol coming into play and times for the general classification being taken nine kilometres from the finish line.

However, the bonuses on the Montjuic climb were still applied.

Defending champion Remco Evenepoel (23) suffered an early puncture, one of many on a descent, that dropped him back and the Belgian had to toil to rejoin the peloton.

Three-time race winner Primoz Roglic (33) and Geraint Thomas (38) also crashed as the weather got worse but they made their way back into the peloton.