After enduring two tough days in the Italian mountains, the Tour of Poland’s first Polish stage provided the sprinters with their chance to make an impression on the race.
Despite the hard work on the opening stages, BMC Racing ensured they gave Thor Hushovd every chance to do just that too, leading the bunch throughout.
The day’s escape proved to be a tricky one to catch, but they were swallowed up inside the final two kilometres to set up a typically frantic finale.
BMC’s efforts meant Hushovd was left to his own devices earlier than he perhaps would have liked, but he stepped up to the mark with aplomb.
Showing the prowess which has earned him 14 Grand Tour stage victories, the God of Thunder latched on to Mark Renshaw’s wheel, using the Belkin man as an unwitting lead-out.
And as the Aussie launched his sprint from the front, Hushovd attacked from behind him and powered round to win the stage in style.
