The 11 most surprising wins of 2015

The great thing about cycling is that it often throws up unexpected results and makes stars out of unassuming domestiques who happen to find themselves in the right place at the right time.

Fernando Gaviria wins Stage 3 of the 2015 Tour de San Luis from Mark Cavendish and Sacha Modolo

(Image credit: Watson)

Often when such riders win you simply think 'good for them' and think they deserve the win for their hard work. But sometimes a rider performs well beyond expectations on unfamiliar terrain or against formidable opponents.

A sprinter wins on a climb or a climber wins on a sprint or sometimes it's just a rider that makes you say "who??". Here are 11 of the most surprising winners this year.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.