Frank solos to stage win in Tour of Austria

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BMC scored its second consecutive stage win in the Tour of Austria, with Mathias Frank following up the victory of Thor Hushovd in a solo effort to Alpendorf. In addition to his stage victory, Frank took out the bonus for the fastest climb of the Gorßglockner, winning 2,504 euro for the 15km effort.

Frank was part of the day's successful breakaway, which was initiated by Omar Bertazzo (Androni Giocattoli) 7km into the stage along with Robert Kiserlovski (RadioShack), Chris Anker Sorensen (Saxo-Tinkoff), Matthias Brändle (IAM Cycling), Gianluca Brambilla (Omega Pharma-Quickstep), Tim Wellens (Lotto Belisol) and Markus Eibegger (Gourmetfein-Simplon).

Frank attacked his companions with 2km to go to take his first win since August, 2009.

"I knew this was the perfect stage for me," Frank said. "I was in the first move at the beginning and we really had to push hard on the Grossglockner because there were a lot of attacks from behind. But I could I feel I was riding strong. I haven't won so many races so this is really nice."

Race leader Kevin Seeldraeyers (Astana) held onto his position, finishing just 35 seconds behind the stage winner. He holds a 59 second advantage over Riccardo Zoidl (Team Gourmetfein Simplon), who moved up ahead of Alexandr Dyachenko (Astana).

"I felt perfect today and I've noticed that Daychenko didn´t have the best day," Zoidl said. "In the final I attacked a few times which paid off. Tomorrow I will try to get a few seconds."

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