Sam Welsford kicked off the Tour of Guangxi with a strong sprint effort to claim second place in Chongzuo.
The Australian was guided through a chaotic run-in well by his Netcompany INEOS team-mates, navigating himself onto the wheel of eventual winner Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step).
Welsford was able to overcome Max Kanter (XDS Astana) at the line for second place, picking up bonus seconds at the end of a rapid first stage.
The day's strong three-man breakaway were reeled in with 8km to go, leading to a flurry of counter-attacks on the approach to the finish.
Kevin Vauquelin would finish safely in the bunch on the opening day, while AJ August was also able to finish on the same time after overcoming a late mechanical.
