Leonard and Shmidt animate China finale

Michael Leonard and Artem Shmidt animated the final WorldTour stage of the year with a combative display in Guangxi.

The 166 kilometre stage saw the bunch tackle the tough ascent of the Qingxiu Mountain five times in a lapped circuit of Nanning.

Leonard was quick to hop into a strong breakaway, driving the pace, before being caught on the final ascent of the day.

In an effort to disrupt the sprinter’s teams, Shmidt launched an attack with some five kilometres remaining on the flat run in to the line, but was caught by the numerous lead out trains.