Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Jerome Pineau attacked after the second intermediate sprint during the opening stage of the Santos Tour Down Under. The French rider caught the lonely escapee Jordan Kerby, who was in the front all day. Pineau dropped Kerby with 40 kilometers to go and went on solo.
Pineau established a lead of 1 minute and 20 seconds quickly. The peloton accelerated during the final 30 kilometres so Pineau`s gap dropped quickly. Just before the third intermediate sprint Pineau was caught by world champion Philippe Gilbert, who took the 3 bonus seconds. From then the teams of the sprinters took over in order to get a first bunch sprint Down Under.
In that sprint Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) took his second win Down Under after winning the People`s Choice Classic two days earlier. This time Arnaud Demare (FDJ) and Mark Renshaw (Blanco) were on the stage podium as well. Greipel is leader in the general classification as well. Pineau is standing 6th at 8 seconds of Greipel.
