The race started from Burslem, close to Port Vale's ground and eighteen riders were in the main break which went round the Staffordshire Moorlands on this 100 miles stage.
British Champion Geraint Thomas (pictured above) was one of those in the break along with team mate Bradley Wiggins, HTC Colombia's Tony Martin, Cervelo's Heinrich Haussler and Saxo Bank's Richie Porte.
As the race went over the second mountain climb at Edgetop, the lead went up to eight minutes. When the race arrived at Gun Hill, some ten kilometres later, Porte broke clear.
Wiggins (pictured above) chased him down and there were no further attacks after that in the race controlled by Team Sky and they made sure that New Zealander Greg Henderson was first over the line to take the stage and the leaders's jersey
Tomorrow's stage is from Newtown to Swansea.
Pictures copyright of Covsupport News Service. Credit CNS/KM