Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Nikolas Maes was 2nd in the bunch sprint at 194.8km Stage 1 of Tour de l'Eurométropole (Circuit Franco Belge), from La Louvière to Moorslede on Thursday.
The race came back together with 10km to go, after a group of six riders had a small advantage and even tried some solo attacks before they were caught.
Jens Debusschere (Lotto-Belisol) won the stage, with Maes finishing 2nd and Kenneth Vanbilsen (Topspot Vlaanderen-Baloise) taking 3rd.
OPQS looks next to a 172.5km Stage 2 on Friday.
