TEAM SKY leader Bradley Wiggins last night declared “we’re back in business” after watching fellow Briton Geraint Thomas race to second place in the Tour de France’s third road stage.

The 213 kilometres from Wanze in Belgium to Arenberg Porte du Hainaut was one of the most dramatic in recent memory as the cobble stones shook up the general classification standings.

Thor Hushovd (Cervelo Test Team) emerged victorious as the 97th Tour entered France for the first time, but Team Sky were among the biggest winners on the day, with Thomas finishing second to move behind only Fabian Cancellara overall.

And another Team Sky rider, Pensby’s

Steve Cummings, was part of a seven man breakway after just 13km.

Ryder Hesjedal (Team Garmin- Transitions) was the catalyst for the escape and he was joined by Tour debutant Cummings and five others – Pavel Brutt (Katusha), Pierre Rolland (Bbox Bouygues Telecom), Roger Kluge (Milram), Stephane Auge (Cofidis) and Imanol Erviti (Caisse d’Epargne).

With 130km remaining, the seven held a lead of around three-and-a-half minutes over the peloton, but were relentlessly reeled in.

Cancellara reclaimed the yellow jersey, having lost it to Sylvain Chavanel (QuickStep) in a crash-strewn stage in the Ardennes region of Belgium on Monday.

Wiggins finished in the second group, enhancing his position in the general classification by moving up to 14th overall.