Team Novo Nordisk had a solid start to the nine-day Tour of Hainan with Chris Williams featuring in the day’s main breakaway while teammate Martijn Verschoor sprinted to a top 10 finish. A time bonus through the intermediate sprint means Williams currently sits sixth overall at the race.

Tuesday’s 76.1-kilometer stage saw Williams feature in a early three-man breakaway. Heading through the intermediate sprint, the Australian gained a one second bonus. With 20 km remaining, the initial breakaway was caught and a new group that included Team Novo Nordisk’s Scott Ambrose got away. Ambrose’s five-man group was caught with 10 km remaining, setting the stage for a bunch sprint. Andrea Palini (Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling Team) took the win with Verschoor in ninth place.

“It was a really good day for the team. We almost cracked into the top five overall after Chris gained a time bonus,” Verschoor said. “There are many stronger sprinters here but I am feeling strong. I am ready to take on the sprint again tomorrow.”

Andrea Palini (Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling Team) sprinted to the win ahead of Roberto Ferrari (Lampre-Merida) and Fabio Silvestre (Trek Factory Racing).

Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes professional cycling team, continues racing at the Tour of Hainan on Wednesday with Stage 2. The 188.3-km race begins in Xinglong and ends in Wenchang.