After a disappointing performance in the first mountain stage, Team Sky went into today's stage of the Tour de Pologne hoping to bounce back. Again most of its many climbers fell off the pace and it was left to Philip Deignan to defend the team's colours.

Philip Deignan finished a tough penultimate stage of the Tour of Poland in 18th place after Rafal Majka had wrapped up his second stage victory, and taken the yellow jersey.

Deignan was one of only 21 riders left in contention as the action hit the final climb of the day, and kept pace with Petr Vakoc on the way to the summit as the Omega Pharma – Quick-Step rider battled to retain his overall lead.

It proved a step too far for Vakoc though, as he and Deignan were among a six-man group who crossed the line 48 seconds behind the triumphant Majka.

Majka had produced one of his now-characteristic attacks in the last two kilometres, and distanced every one of his rivals on the harsh drag to the finish before sealing his second win in the space of 24 hours.

After the stage, Sports Director Gabriel Rasch confirmed it had been a tough day in the saddle but was pleased with the way Deignan had performed.

“It was a really hard stage on narrow roads and poor surfaces, and was up and down the whole day.

“Salvatore [Puccion] was trying to get into the break during that first sprint, and Dario [Cataldo], Josh [Edmondson] and Edvald [Boasson Hagen] were aiming to do likewise in that first 50km. It was so hard to do that today though and they ultimately missed out.

“Philip can be happy with his ride as he hadn’t been feeling good at the start of the day. His condition improved into the afternoon and he fought hard to stay with guys like Vakoc, Samuel Sanchez (BMC Racing) and Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp).

“Phil will rest up now so he’s good to go again tomorrow, and he, Dario and Kosta will give it 100% to finish the race on a high.”