Chad Haga helped to animate the final stage of Critérium International today as he formed the day’s breakaway with four others – resulting in a long tough day out front of the race in Corsica.

Their chances of staying away always looked slim with the finishing climb of the Col de l’Ospedale looking large at the finish, but Haga still put in a big fight, being one of the last riders to get swallowed up.

Once back in the peloton it was up to the climbers to do their best, and from Team Giant-Alpecin Caleb Fairly was the first home in 48th position.

Coach Christian Guiberteau said after the race: “We wanted to go in the break today and Chad made the right move in a group of five. He fought for the KOM classification but ended up in second there, but put in a good ride all day after a lot of racing in the last weeks.

“We only came here with a small team but we still left with a few strong performances, with Tom’s [Veelers] fourth on the opening stage and then another showing today.”