BMC Racing Team's Ben Hermans made a late attack Friday at the Tour de Pologne on his way to finishing seventh while holding onto his spot in the top five with one day of the race to go.

Hermans attacked to bridge the gap to Mikel Nieve (Team Sky), who was solo inside the final eight kilometers of the 174-kilometer race.

"I just saw that there was a possibility to get away, as there were not many Sky or Astana riders," Hermans said. "So I attacked on instinct and got across to Nieve. So Sky couldn't chase. It was all up to Astana. And they did chase – In contrast to yesterday, when there was no collaboration at all."

The two enjoyed as much as a 20-second lead before being overhauled between kilometers three and two on the uphill climb to the finish. Just as the catch was made, Nieve's teammate, Sergio Henao, counter-attacked. Henao went on to win the stage, 11 seconds ahead of the group containing Hermans.

"On the final climb, I had to find my rhythm back," Hermans said. "It took some minutes and I was quite done at the last two kilometers. But that is racing."

In the overall standings, Hermans is fourth, 14 seconds behind new leader Henao. Sunday's final stage is a 25-km individual time trial.

"I am happy with this result to go to the time trial," Hermans said. "We will see tomorrow what the legs say."