MADRID, March 4, 2011 – Australian sprint sensation Michael Matthews claimed victory in the first stage of the Tour of Murcia, a 178.7km ride between San Pedro del Pinatar and Alhama de Murcia on Friday.

The Rabobank rider, the reigning world under-23 road race champion who also won a stage at the Tour Down Under in January, won a bunch sprint with Britain’s Russell Downing in second and Italian Davide Appollonio in third.

Spain’s three-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador finished in the same time as the main bunch in 15th place.

Stage and general classification
1. Michael Matthews (AUS) Rabobank 4hr 26min 09sec,
2. Russell Downing (GBR) same time,
3. Davide Appollonio (ITA) s.t.,
4. Aitor Galdos (ESP) s.t.,
5. Martin Reimer (GER) s.t.
Selected: 15. Alberto Contador (ESP) s.t.