Steels, in his Belgian champion's colours, fought off second-placed German Erik Zabel and Australian Robbie McEwen, third, in a mass sprint finish of the 180.5km-leg in Phoenix Park.

Tom Steels took the green jersey after winning the first stage

Steels, 26, took the green jersey as points leader.

His victory wiped away his bitter memory of last year's Tour when, frustrated at other riders' tactics in a mass finish in Marennes, he hurled his plastic drinking bottle at another rider.

He was subsequently thrown out of the race.

The Tour started Dublin for the first time in its history, following the time trial prologue around the city on Saturday, which was won by Boardman.

The Tour de France is spending three days in Ireland

Jacky Durand of France and Paul Van Hyfte of Belgium built up enough of a lead earlier on to pose a threat to Boardman but the two men were eventually reeled in.

Boardman's GAN team and defending champion Jan Ullrich's team led the chase and the field regrouped as riders jostled for position as the pace quickened near the finish.