Belgium's Jolien D’Hoore sprinted to victory on the opening stage for the second consecutive year at the Ovo Energy Women's Tour ©Twitter

Belgium's Jolien D’Hoore sprinted to victory on the opening stage for the second consecutive year at the Ovo Energy Women's Tour in England.

The Boels-Dolmans rider triumphed on the 157.6 kilometres stage between Beccles and Stowmarket. 

The 29-year-old Olympic omnium bronze medallist led home a one-two for her team as Dutch rider Amy Pieters came through to finish second at the International Cycling Union Women's World Tour race.

Lisa Brennauer of Germany, who rides for WNT Rotor, was third.

D'Hoore's time was clocked at 4 hours 09min 12sec as she stormed into the overall race lead with a controlled performance amid windy and wet conditions in Suffolk.

"It was a pretty good day for us," she said. 

"It was pretty hard and I’m happy I could show it today with the stage win.

"The team was really strong and they brought me actually to the perfect position going into the sprint, dropping me off at 150 metres to go. 

"Amy Pieters got second herself, so it really proves that we are a strong team here."

The race is due to continue with a 62.5km flat stage in Gravesend in Kent tomorrow.