Germany's Marcel Kittel signalled his intent for a green jersey triumph after he won stage three of the Tour de France for his second success of this year's edition.
The day's ride sent the peloton on a 155 kilometre journey from Cambridge to London marking the end of the England leg of the Tour.
After two hectic days of racing in Yorkshire legs were heavy in the bunch and only two men made an early break.
As rain began to lash down on the outskirts of London the pair's lead started to wash away.
All the main sprint contenders were nicely in place as the bunch made its way passed all the landmarks of the capital.
On the approach to the Mall and with Buckingham Palace a stones throw away Giant-Shimano took over the front of the peloton ready to launch their sprinter Kittel.
In a fine show of power Kittel burst out in front at the perfect time and held off Peter Sagan to add stage three to his stage one victory.
Sagan took second while in the absence of his leader Mark Cavendish who crashed out of the race on day one Australian Mark Renshaw took over the baton with a fine third place.
Stage two winner Vincenzo Nibali remains overall race leader two seconds clear of a group of 20 riders including defending champ Chris Froome who is fifth.
Source: EuroNews
