Athens, Georgia resident John Murphy raced to fifth place in stage 2 of the Tour de l’Ain – his best result of the season for the BMC Racing Team. This five day stage race around the Ain Department in France features a prologue, two days for the sprinters and the final two stages in the mountains.

The 138 kilometer stage was pan flat and it was destined to finish in a field sprint. Murphy said he was in good position in the final kilometer but mistimed the finish.

“With 500 meters, we had a right and then a left turn,” Murphy said. “I gambled and followed a wheel that went too early. Cole (House) was really good today. He took care of me until the last two kilometers, where he set me up perfectly.”

Murphy’s season so far includes the Tour of Qatar and Oman, select spring classics and starting the Giro d’Italia. While Murphy was unable to defend his national criterium champion jersey, he will be lining up in Greenville, South Carolina for the US Pro road race championships.

Romain Feillu (Vacansoleil) continues to hold the yellow jersey of overall leader.