Julien Vermote admitted he was surprised to win the seventh stage of the Tour of Britain after he was roared over the line on Brighton seafront.

The Belgian Omega Pharma Quick Step rider took the glory on Madeira Drive while the yellow jersey changed hands with Britain’s Alex Dowsett losing it to Dutchman Dylan van Baarle in the general classification.

Garmin Sharp’s Van Baarle was part of a five-man breakaway on the 225.1km stage from Camberley to Brighton.

Vermote left everyone in his wake after he attacked off the back of the group on Ditchling Beacon.

And he revealed it was not a result he was expecting after such a tough week.

Vermote said: “I am a bit surprised myself.

“Five days of the six I have been pulling for the team and one day I was riding completely on the front.

“Every day though I have felt I have recovered quite well but it is not easy for me to win a stage.

“Today they didn’t really say go in the break in the meeting but then at the beginning of the race they said maybe it is better to go.

“When it was the right moment I went on the break and I felt immediately I had a good chance because yesterday the break had about ten minutes and I know how hard it is to chase it down.

“I knew it was a really big chance for me so I had to go for it.

“I was at my limit because I have been giving everything for my team every day.

“Finally, I wanted to win a stage of a race as a lot of riders in the team have already. It is not easy at all.

“I know my place in the team with all the good riders and I like to help them.

“But also it is nice to win a stage and the people in the team know my value and what I can do.

“People outside don’t know and don’t see the work you do. It is nice to win a race.”