Andre Greipel wins Stage 1 in a thrilling photo finish

Andre Greipel (Team Lotto - Belisol) has edged out Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-ISD) to win Stage 1 of the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under in a thrilling photo finish.
In what was a physically taxing race for the riders, battling 40 degree temperatures and a strong head wind, Greipel has claimed victory in front of an excited crowd in Clare.

The AllTrails tour group was there to watch the action as well as ride some of the pro cyclists route, although the heat called for a shorter distance for some before heading to a lovely lunch in the Clare main street before watching the end of the pro race.

We will be adding photos from the TDU to our Facebook album here: