Intro:

The Republic of Ireland's Dan Martin won the Giro de Lombardia one-day race in Lombardy, Italy on Sunday (5th October) after attacking a breakaway group in the closing kilometre.

Script:

The Giro di Lombardia took place on Sunday, the cycling race is the final 'monument' on the European cycling calendar.

And it proved to be the final professional appearance on European soil for retiring Australian Cadel Evans, the 2011 Tour de France winner.

All eyes were on current road race champion, Michal Kwiatkowski, who wore the rainbow jersey on the road for the first time.

Unfortunately, the Polish rider struggled with severe cramp towards the end of the 260-kilometre route from Como to Bergamo, although he did finish the race.

After a succession of changes at the front of the field, Pieter Weening and Ben Hermans led the race inside the final 30 kilometres.

With the peloton closing in on the two leaders, Tim Wellens shot out of the main group and quickly reeled in and then passed Weening and Hermans.

The Belgian's time at the front was limited though as the pursuit group that had followed him off the front of the peloton soon cut the gap.

Dan Martin attacked that group inside the final kilometre and timed his break to perfection.

The Garmin-Sharp rider quickly opened a gap and powered down the final straight to win the Giro di Lombardia in a time of six hours, 25 minutes and 33 seconds.

Spaniard Alejandro Valverde battled his way to second place with Rui Costa of Portugal taking third and Wellens finishing in fourth.

They were fortunate to avoid a crash at the final corner that unseated Alberto Contador, amongst others.