Today the Tour of Austria peloton took on the first regular stage of the Austrian stage race. 206 kilometers and 1600 meters of elevation in 36 degrees were on the menu from Mörbischer Festspiele to Scheibbs. Even though a breakaway quintet stole the picture in the first part of the stage, it all came down to a bunch sprint where CULT Energy's Troels Vinther finished 10th.

Five escapees stole some time in the limelight during the first part of today’s stage. But behind, several teams were eager to hold them within sight and they were never formed a real threat to the sprinters lurking behind in the field. With 20 kilometers to go, the escapees were back in the pack and even though the sprinter teams intensified the pace, several counter-attacks were launched but no one was allowed a serious gap.

In the bunch sprint, Sondre Enger (IAM Cycling) was the fastest rider while CULT Energy Pro Cycling’s Troels Vinther was 10th across the finish line.

Vinther says:

“It was 206 kilometers in undulating terrain but the thing that made it tough today was the heat. The plan was to stay focused in the final part of the stage and the boys put me in good position on the final kilometers. However, in the rather technical finish I wasn't able to get all the way to the front but finishing tenth in a bunch sprint when you're not really a sprinter is a decent result for me. Tomorrow's stage is looking pretty bumpy but I hope to be able to get in the mix again," states Troels Vinther.