Jack Bobridge (UniSA) took the win from a breakaway group of four that narrowly survived to the finish on Tuesday's opening stage of the Santos Tour Down Under. BMC Racing Team's Cadel Evans finished 20th and in the same time as the peloton in the 132.6-kilometer race.

"It was a little bit nervous in the peloton," Evans said. "It was a strange finish there. We rode to keep things in control for the GC. The sprinters' teams were a bit hesitant and that cost them a chance for the victory in the end. 

"I was not surprised that the break went. When you have strong guys there, you have to be pretty careful. Sky were cautious and clever by doing that and of course we helped them. We had expected a bit more from the sprint teams in the end but it is their lost money.

"After a few days racing, I think I will be feeling a bit better."

For teammate Peter Stetina, it was the first time racing in Australia.

"It was fun," he said. "It was nervous, the first race of the season and everybody is always a bit nervous. There are always close calls out there but nothing major.

"They put me in the sun and I can get my tan on. The we have to climb fast later."