Australian cyclist Simon Gerrans has won the opening stage of the Tour Down Under race in Adelaide, Australia.
Gerrans broke clear with five kilometers to go in the 148-kilometer ride and finished in 2:39:33. Spain's Luis Sanchez was second, two seconds back.
Australian Robbie McEwen was third, but was hindered by cramps after winning the prologue. Gerrans leads the overall standings, seven seconds ahead of Sanchez. McEwen is third overall, 18 seconds back.
Thursday's second stage covers 146 kilometers from Stirling to Hahndorf in South Australia. The five-stage, 735-kilometer race ends Sunday.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.