Thursday 19 May 2016 11:59, UK
Peter Sagan produced a superb late burst to win the opening stage of the Amgen Tour of California in San Diego.
The reigning world champion is also defending his title in America's biggest stage race, and began in style by claiming his 14th stage victory in a race he enjoys, and targets every year.
A long break, which included Britain's Dan Patten (Wiggins), was caught inside the final 10km and a whole host of teams tried to set the finish up for their sprinter.
Mark Cavendish (Team Dimension Data) looked like playing a big part in the finish but he was baulked at the wrong time and eased off, finishing way back in 29th.
Tour de Yorkshire stage winner Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL-Jumbo) went for home and seemed to be on his way to victory, with only Wouter Wippert (Cannondale) apparently able to go with him.
But Sagan (Tinkoff) found extra reserves in the closing 100m and mugged both of them on the line, Wippert claiming second and Groenewegen third.
Team Sky's Andrew Fenn and Danny van Poppel finished 11th and 12th respectively.
Stage One result:
1 Peter Sagan (Svk) Tinkoff 4h 20m 41s
2 Wouter Wippert (Ned) Cannondale st
3 Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) LottoNL-Jumbo st
4 Bryan Coquard (Fra) Direct Energie st
5 Martijn Verschoor (Ned) Novo Nordisk st
