Australia's Rohan Dennis sits in second spot on the general classification after stage two of the week-long Tirreno-Adriatico race in Italy.
Dennis was 10th in 229kn Camaiore - Pomarance leg, which was won by Britain's Geraint Thomas in a welcome boost for the under-fire Team Sky team.
The race is a preparation event for the Giro D'Italia, which starts on May, and Dennis sits behind Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet of Belgium, who took over the race lead from his BMC teammate Damiano Caruso, with Tejay van Garderen in third.
Thomas won in convincing fashion after he attacked with about four kilometres left and never looked back.
Dutchman Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) took second place ahead of world champion Peter Sagan (Bora Hansgrohe) of Slovakia.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Thomas, however, remains far adrift of the overall leaders after Sky endured a catastrophic opening team time trial, finishing one minute 41 seconds behind stage winners BMC on Wednesday.
