BENDIGO cyclist Jack Haig has begun his European campaign strongly, finishing in second spot at the Tour Alsace on Sunday.
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The impressive young rider finished second in general classification, only six seconds behind Czech winner Karel Hink.
The French tour was raced over five stages, which covered 740 kilometres.
The 20-year-old is part of the six-man Australian under-23 national team which is competing in various events across Europe.
Haig made his move in the 155 kilometre fourth stage between Ribeauville and Markstein.
He finished the stage in third position and moved into second overall.
Australian Institute of Sport coach James Victor said despite not having a stage result on the final leg of the race, it was good to see Haig finish in second position.
Victor said Haig had showed a lot of potential.
Haig's efforts in France also saw him win the best young rider of the tour, he finished 18 seconds ahead of his competitors in the youth classification category.
Haig also finished in 23rd position in the Czech Cyling Tour last month.
He was nine minutes and 24 seconds behind the winner.
Haig and his Australian teammates will now race in four of the one-day races planned in Italy before gearing up for eight-day Tour de l'Avenir.
The race across France begins on August 23.