Andre Greipel has won the first stage of the World Ports Classic race.
A race from Rotterdam in Holland to Antwerp in Belgium and back over two days, started on a sunny morning with a 195km stage from Rotterdam to Antwerp.
One hundred and thirty five riders minus Gavazzi of Astana rolled out of Rotterdam and after six kilometres, Van Zandbeek (RIJ), Hollanders (MET), Stauff (MTN) had established the first break.
By the time, they had reached the sea with thirty kilometres gone, they had a lead of five minutes which was 6.40 twenty kilometres later.
The first sprint came after 74.5kms and was won by Stauff, who led the escapers through Middleburg and Zeeland which will feature in the 2015 Tour De France which starts in Utrecht.
With fifty five kilometres remaining, the peloton which had to wait at a railway crossing had caught up to Van Zandbeek, Hollanders and Stauff and their time of 134kms in the lead was over.
Twenty five kilometres later and there was an attack from Sinkeldam (GIA), Brandle (IAM) and Asselman (MET) and this time it succeeded with Sinkeldam taking the second intermediate sprint.
Sinkeldam was shelled as Brandle and Asselman pushed on into Belgium with a 45 second lead. They were caught with nineteen kilometres to go.
Lotto Belisol led the peloton going into the final ten kilometres but five kilometres later, Vakoc of Omega Pharma WQuick Step and Eissing (MET) broke clear.
Vakoc dropped Eissing two kilometres later but was caught and Lotto brought up Andre Greipel who took the win in 4.41.11 ahead of Porsev, Theo Bos, Napolitano and Verhelst.