Marcel Kittel (Argos-Shimano) claimed the opening stage of the Presidential Tour of Turkey in Alanya on Sunday, beating André Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) and Yuriy Metlushenko (Torku Seker Spor) in a bunch finish at the end of 143 km out-and-back along the coast between Alanya and Gazipasa.

Towards the end of the stage NetApp-Endura and Blanco took turns leading the peloton into the final 5 km, and MTN-Qhubeka tried to do their bit to promote Milan-San Remo conqueror Gerald Ciolek.

The early leaders in the run-in to the finish were conspicuous by their absence, however, when it mattered and Argos-Shimano and Omega Pharma-Quick Step battled for positions at the 1 km kite. In the decisive move Kittel charged up the left side of the road and no one could match the German as he powered across the line to assume the overall lead.

Instantly after the stage Kittel said: "Our strength as a team is to always stay calm. That was the key for winning today. I'm very happy indeed."

Top 10, stage 1:

1. Marcel Kittel (ARG)

2. André Greipel (LTB)

3. Yuri Metlushenko (TRK)

4. Roger Kluge (TNE)

5. Andrew Fenn (OPQS)

6. Francesco Lasca (CJR)

7. Danilo Napolitano (AJW)

8. Grzegorz Stepniak (CCC)

9. Edwin Vanegas (COL)

10. Sacha Modolo (BAR)