Simon Gerrans overpowers German Andre Greipel in opening stage of the Tour Down Under

ORICA-Greenedge star Simon Gerrans enhanced his claims for a third TDU when he conquered German sprinter Andre Greipel in the opening stage.

ORICA-Greenedge star Simon Gerrans enhanced his claims for a third Tour Down Under when he conquered German sprint king Andre Greipel in the opening stage in Angaston.

The recently crowned Australian champion, led out brilliantly by South African teammate Daryl Impey, produced a stunning finishing burst to overpower Greipel to win the 135km stage.

Replay our LIVE Stage 1 coverage below

Having already gained a one-second bonus for finishing third on the second sprint in Bethany, Gerrans earned a 10-second bonus for the win to be in a prime position to secure another TDU triumph.

Gallery: Best actions shots from Stage 1

Gerrans was also victorious when Angaston first hosted a stage finish in 2006 - the year he won his first title.

''Every year this race is won and lost by just a matter of seconds,'' Gerrans said. ''Every second counts and you just have to take every opportunity that comes up."

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A front group of about 50 riders went clear as the peloton splintered on the Menglers Hill Climb within 15km of the finish. News_Image_File: Gerrans stands on stage after receiving the sprinter jersey after his Stage 1 win. Picture: Getty Images.

Australian pre-race favourites Cadel Evans (BMC) and Richie Porte (Sky) were among the leaders.

Australian Adam Hansen (Lotto-Belisol) went clear at the top of Menglers Hill to take the King of the Mountain prize, but he was soon caught.

Tour Down Under: Stage maps, teams and much more

Rising Australian star Caleb Ewan (UniSA) was among those dropped on the climb.

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Europcar teammates Yukiya Arashiro (Japan) and Bjorn Thurau (Germany) attacked on the descent before the front group caught them with about 1km left.

There was a crash just before 1km to go which appeared to take out several riders.

Australians Neil Van Der Ploeg (UniSA) and Will Clarke (Drapac) attacked within minutes of the start and built a lead of four minutes.

But the peloton always kept the gap in check and they were caught at 119km.

Today's stage went ahead as planned after concerns over the weekend about a nearby bushfire, which was contained.

Result: Simon Gerrans (AUS) - OGE, André Greipel (GER) - LTB, Steele von Hoff (AUS) - GRS, Simon Geschke (GER) - GIA, Diego Ulissi (ITA) - LAM, Maxime Bouet (FRA) - ALM, Francesco Gavazzi (ITA) - AST, Rafael Valls Ferri (ESP) - LAM, Cadel Evans (AUS) - BMC, Robert Gesink (NED) - BEL.

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