Known as one of the best lead-out men in the world, Graeme Brown got a rare chance to ride for himself in today's stage of the Tour of Hainan. However, the Australian could only manage 6th in the bunch sprint.

Graeme Brown finished sixth in China’s Tour of Hainan stage eight on Monday. Lampre-Merida’s Niccolo Bonifazio sprinted to his third stage win of the week after 154 kilometres from Wuzhishan to Danzhou. 

“We decided to ride for Graeme today as the final stretch was slightly downhill,” said Sports Director Michiel Elijzen. 

“But the road book was wrong. In the end, it was a day like all the others. A group was able to get away, while Team La Pomme Marseille 13, the team of leader Julien Antomarchi, kept the break in check. Eventually, it came down to a sprint and we were just not good enough.” 

The stage began with a difficult climb.

“The day started with an eight-kilometre climb. Barry Markus was dropped and had to abandon. The other men are in good shape, but Lampre is just very strong and smart."

Elijzen added ambitiously, “Tomorrow, we are going to take that stage victory.”