Cavendish finished seventh in the time trial at the start of the Tour de Catalunya

German Paul Voss won the opening stage of the Tour of Catalunya on Monday.

American Levi Leipheimer was second and Voss's compatriot Andreas Kloden third in the short individual time trial.

Britain's Mark Cavendish finished seventh, four seconds behind Voss, as he looked for a first win of the season after being plagued by dental problems.

But Team Sky rider Bradley Wiggins pulled out of the event because of a stomach infection which has sidelined him for several days.

Wiggins, the three-time Olympic track champion, was fourth in the 2009 Tour de France.

But he must now adjust his race programme to reach peak condition for cycling's most prestigious race in July as he targets a podium finish.

606: DEBATE Who do you think will triumph in the race?

Sky team principal Dave Brailsford said: "Unfortunately, Bradley wasn't able to race in Spain this week, but we're going to assess the situation quickly and adjust his race programme so that nothing is jeopardised.

"He has already proven this year that he is well on his way form-wise so we'll be able to get him back into our race programme fairly easy.

"It's not uncommon that riders have to struggle with illness at this part of the season, but luckily Bradley has already been able to build up a lot of form, so this won't be a setback."

Team Sky have replaced Wiggins with Serge Pauwels for the Catalunya event, which boasts a strong field, including last year's Tour runner-up Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, his brother Franck, former Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Basso and Spain's Carlos Sastre.

The race, which continues until Sunday, is an early-season chance to see the form of the stage race specialists.

Spain's two-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador is missing as he has opted for the two-day Criterium International in Corsica next weekend.

Opening stage results:

1. Paul Voss (Germany / Milram) 4 mins 57 secs
2. Levi Leipheimer (U.S. / RadioShack) +1"
3. Andreas Kloeden (Germany / RadioShack) +2"
4. Dominik Nerz (Germany / Milram) +4"
5. Jan Bakelants (Belgium / Omega Pharma - Lotto)
6. Davide Malacarne (Italy / Quick-Step)
7. Mark Cavendish (Britain / HTC - Columbia)
8. Craig Lewis (U.S. / HTC - Columbia) +5"
9. Nicolas Roche (Ireland / AG2R) +6"
10. Kristjan Koren (Slovenia / Liquigas)

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