Matthew and Rudolph put Jayco Skins on the podium
Defending champion Peter McDonald (Drapac Porsche) claimed opening honours and the race lead after stage one of the Tour of Wellington in New Zealand.
Seven seconds off his wheel was Jayco-Skins rider Michael Matthews with his team mate, Malcolm Rudolph, a further two seconds back in third place.
The 121km stage started in Upper Hutt and ended in Masterton and included a six kilometre climb up Rimutaka Hill.
Seven riders broke away early with another eleven riders joining them to ride out to a lead of more than two minutes.
The climb tested the field but a fast descent and flat terrain after the climb saw the peloton back together and on the second climb of the day at Te Wharau Hill the peloton reeled in the leaders.
McDonald attacked on the climb, taking his teammate Lachlan Norris with him.
McDonald attacked again ten kilometres from the finish leaving Norris who was swallowed up by the main bunch who came within 100metres of being caught.
However the Sydney rider, who last week contested the Santos Tour Down Under ProTour event with the UniSA-Australia team, held on to claim the win.
Results
- Peter McDonald (AUS) Drapac Porsche 3:03:51
- Michael Matthews (AUS) Jayco Skins Team 0:00:07
- Malcolm Rudolph (AUS) Jayco Skins Team 0:00:09
