Zanini had the fastest finish

The Italian outsprinted Kevin Van Impe, of Belgium, and Argentine Alejandro Borrajo to take the spoils as the race returned after a five-year absence.

British champion Roger Hammond finished sixth in a field that also includes Tour de France runner-up Andrea Kloden and Olympic champion Bradley Wiggins.

Stage two covers 107 miles, starting in Leeds and ending in Sheffield.

"Winning on the first day of a stage race is special because it means I get a double result: the stage win and the leader's jersey," said Zanini.

"I'm especially happy because it's my first win of the season and pays me back for all the hard work I've done for my Quick Step team in all the other races."

Stage 1 (Manchester-Manchester) 128.7 miles results:

1 Stefano Zanini (Ita) Quick Step 5hrs 1min 23secs
2 Kevin Van Impe (Bel) Lotto @ same time
3 Alejandro Borrajo (Arg) Panaria @ same time
4 Julian Dean (NZ) Credit Agricole @ same time
5 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step @ same time
6 Roger Hammond (GB) Mr Bookmakers.com @ same time
7 Maksym Rudenko (Ukr) Chocolade Jacques @ same time
8 Yanto Baker (GB) Wales @ same time
9 Paride Grillo (Ita) Panaria @ same time
10 Ben Day (Aus) Mr Bookmaker.com) @ same time

Other result:

74 B Wiggins (GB) Credit Agricole

Overall standings:

1 Stefano Zanini (Ita) Quick Step
2 Kevin Van Impe (Bel) Lotto @ 4secs
3 Alejandro Borrajo (Arg) Panaria @ 6secs
4 James Vanlandschoot (Bel) Relax @ 9secs
5 Andrea Peron (Ita) CSC @ 10secs
6 Julian Dean (NZ) Credit Agricole @ 10secs
7 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step @ same time
8 Roger Hammond (GB) Mr Bookmakers.com @ same time
9 Maksym Rudenko (Ukr) Chocolade Jacques @ same time
10 Yanto Baker (GB) Wales @ same time