Van Hummel sprints to first win of season

Kenny van Hummel (Skil-Shimano) claimed his first victory of the 2010 season as he sprinted to victory in the first stage of the Tour de Picardie on Friday.

"I had to wait al little bit longer this year, but I’m glad that the first victory is here. Thanks to my teammates,” said Van Hummel after his victory.

The Dutchman finished ahead of Ben Swift (Team Sky) and Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) in a field sprint into Doullens. After the stage, Van Hummel was also awarded the first leader's jersey of the three-stage race.

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Van Hummel's stage win rewarded the efforts of his teammates, who, along with Katusha and Euskaltel-Euskadi had worked hard to close down a three-man escape group.

Fumiyuki Beppu (RadioShack), Tristan Valentin (Cofidis) and Niels Brouzes (Big Mat-Auber 93) took flight from a larger breakaway group of 14 riders. The trio built up a maximum advantage of 12 minutes after 50 kilometres, but the gap was gradually reduced over the course of the 181 kilometre stage.

Beppu, Valentin and Brouzes were recaptured three kilometres from the line. The peloton reformed to set-up the ensuing sprint, which was won by Van Hummel with a well-timed bike throw at the finish.

Time bonuses at the finish give Van Hummel a four second lead in the race's general classification, ahead of Swift and Beppu, who sit second and third, both on the same time.