Australian champion Simon Gerrans benefitted from the phenomenal efforts of his team-mates at the Tour Down Under, and paid them back in spades with a superb lead-out for Michael Matthews in the Basque Country. Gerrans, a decent sprinter himself, not only timed the lead-out to perfection but showed great awareness to conserve his energy after hitting the front before going again when the attacks started behind him.

The lead-out was such that Matthews victory never looked in doubt as he took on the sprint long and had plenty in the tank to celebrate a comfortable stage victory. The two-time Vuelta a Espana stage winner last year has had a quiet start to the season but having finished ninth on stage two, ensured he proved his form to the team selectors. Orica-GreenEDGE have enjoyed 11 victories now this season, and with their team leader and chief sprinter both on form you would expect that to grow rapidly.