Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux) uncorked a late-race solo attack and surprised the sprinters to win Sunday's opening of the five-day Mallorca Challenge.

Sprinters typically hold court in the 100km circuit race, run on a flat, out-and-back circuit along Palma’s stunning seaside promenade anchored by the towering Gothic cathedral. But Gilbert had something else in mind.

“I pulled away at a little over one kilometer to go and saw straight away that I had a chance,” said Gilbert, who won a stage in last year’s Tour of Limousine. “I just kept my head down and didn’t look back.”

Australian Graeme Brown (Rabobank) came through second while Robert Förster (Gerolsteiner) was third.

The five-day Mallorca Challenge is drawing a top field this year as six ProTour teams bring more than a dozen riders to take advantage of mild weather and bike-friendly roads.

The race is popular with riders just kick-starting their racing campaigns as they can choose which days they prefer to race.

Defending Tour de France champion Alberto Contador (Astana) will make his season debut Monday and race again Wednesday and Thursday.

“I am really excited about racing again,” Contador said. “I’ve been here training and I took advantage of today to work on my time-trial bike. It’s always nice to finally race again after a long break from competition.”

The Challenge continues Monday with the 162.7km second stage from Cala Millor to Son Servera over mostly rolling terrain.