Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Zdenek Stybar was the top finisher in the 160km Tour de Pologne Stage 5 on Thursday — a far from flat stage. OPQS rider Michal Golas was part of a breakaway that was brought back by the peloton with 26.1km to go. There were multiple attacks for the remainder of the stage, but it still ended in a bunch sprint finish.
Thor Hushovd (BMC Racing Team) won the sprint, with Matthieu Ladagnous (FDJ) placing 2nd and Daniele Ratto (Cannondale ProCycling Team) placing 3rd. Stybar was 21st.
OPQS rider Serge Pauwels was forced to abandon after crashing, but the injuries were not deemed as serious by team staff immediately after the stage.
OPQS looks next to a 197km Stage 6 on Friday.
"I was drinking from my bottle when suddenly I hit an hole on the road and I lost my handlebar," Pauwels said. "I went down on the left side but fortunately without big consequences. It could have been worse. It's a pity because I was looking forward to tomorrow's stage."