Irish rider takes yellow jersey in Poland

Irishman Daniel Martin (Garmin-Transitions) claimed the biggest win of his career to date with a solo break on stage five of the Tour of Poland today to take the stage win and move into the yellow jersey as race leader.

Today was the first mountain stage of the weeklong Tour and 23-year-old Martin embarked on an amazing solo on the uphill finish at Rownica besting Grega Bole (Lampre-Farnese Vini) by 14-seconds, who took second on the stage.

Stage five at the Tour de Pologne was the day that all the GC contenders have been waiting for as they faced five first category ascents plus the climb to the finish at Równica, something that can do some damage in the peloton and separate the strongest riders from others.

"I was hoping to win on Rownica, but I hadn't expected that I will wear the yellow jersey after that stage. It's a great feeling to be a leader of the race," said Martin. "We came to Poland with a very strong roster and our goal is to win the general classification.

Martin, a first cousin of fellow professional Nicolas Roche has long been singled out as a potential Grand Tour rider but a combination of injuries and illness have blighted his progress.

However, today’s win ranks up there with his maiden Grand Tour victory at the Route de Sud almost four years ago.