Goss finished 61 places ahead of team-mate Mark Cavendish

Australian Matthew Goss won the opening stage of the Tour Down Under as Manx sprinter and HTC Highroad team-mate Mark Cavendish finished in 62nd place.

The Tasmanian sprinted to victory ahead of defending champion Andre Greipel and Queensland's Robbie McEwan in third.

Meanwhile Goss believes that Cavendish will be a threat during the event.

"I am in a good position now but it isn't just me in the team. Cav is still one of the fastest guys here," he told the Tour website.

"I am sure we will see him, if not in the next couple of days then before the end of the race."

The 24-year-old completed the 138 km route from Mawson Lakes to Angaston in three hours, 17 minutes and eight seconds.

Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, who is taking part in his final overseas event, finished in 81st place.

Wednesday's second stage will see the riders cover 146 km from Tailem Bend to Mannum on the banks of the Murray River.

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