The opening stage of the 2009 season saw a 3 man breakaway.
Hungerbuhler (Slipstream B ), Martins (Benfica) and Swindlehurst (Dasani).
The peleton are not going to allow a successful breakaway though and they are caught, but just as we are getting ready for the sprint. Rutkiewickz of Nippo completely loses control of his bike going round the corner.
And the inevitable big crash happens. Nippo's leaderds Parra and Perez Marquez both went down and must be pretty angry at him. Marquez of Benfica crashed, while Fed-Ex riders Sevilla, Martinez and Leipheimer all went down (Not Danielson though). But the 2 big riders in the crash were the 2 pre-race favourites: Medina and Chacon!
Champion can still salvage something out of this stage though as Kairelis leads out Dall'Antonia
But behind Dall'Antonia is Danniele di Nucci of Nippo and he is looking strong.
The only man who could stop di Nucci is IrnBru's Simon Clarke, but Di Nucci looks to have the edge on him
But as they draw towards the line, Clarke is getting closer and closer - until its all level
And the Aussie sneaks past to take victory!!! Thats the 2nd year in a row that IrnBru have won the first stage of the season!