While Renshaw was left with bruising and abrasions after being thrown from his bike in the final kilometres of the first stage, he was able to line up for the 152.7 kilometre leg from Maribor to Rogaska Slatina.

It was ultimately Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL-Jumbo) who won the sprint to the line after three hours, 35 minutes and 43 seconds, but Renshaw worked hard to give Cavendish (sixth) a shot at glory.

Dimension Data sprinter Cavendish had punctured with just under 10km to go, but after a quick wheel change Renshaw smartly navigated a way for him towards the front of the peloton.

Cavendish jumped earlier than he would have liked in the final dash to the finish and Groenewegen was able to come from behind to take the win.

“A late puncture for Mark in the final 15 kilometres was not ideal but he was able to get back with enough time to spare and still get into a good position for the sprint finale,” Dimension Data sport director Roger Hammond said.

“As they were in the convoy coming through the circuit finish they missed the vital chance to see how the finish was, in the end they started the sprint a little early.

“[But] It was good to see how the team rallied round and overcame the adversity of the late puncture to give Mark the opportunity to get involved.”