Jasper Philipsen pipped Britain's Ethan Vernon to victory in a sprint finish at the end of the first stage of the Vuelta a Espana in Novara, Italy.
Philipsen, of the Alpecin-Deceuninck team, came out on top in a bunch finish to claim his first win since his victory on the opening stage of last month’s Tour de France.
Vernon held on to take second place ahead of Orluis Aular, with Elia Viviani just missing out on the podium.
Archie Ryan and Eddie Dunbar are the two Irish cyclists in this year's race and both finished in the peloton in 105th and 142nd respectively, posting the same time as stage winner Philipsen.
It marked a strong return from Philipsen, who was forced to withdraw from last month’s tour after fracturing his right collarbone in a crash during a third stage sprint.
With the Vuelta making its first start in Italy, Spain’s Hugo de la Calle launched a brave solo move with 83km to go but was caught by the peloton with 38km remaining to set up the grandstand finish.
