Greipel captures Tour Down Under

Greipel equalled Robbie McEwen's record for stage wins in the event

Germany's Andre Greipel won his fourth stage out of six to secure the Tour Down Under title by 15 seconds from Australian Allan Davis.

Greipel led by four seconds going into the 88km final stage around Adelaide, but Davis won the first sprint to reduce the margin to one second.

However, Team High Road's Greipel dug in to win the first race outside of Europe to be granted ProTour status.

British rider Jeremy Hunt, riding for Credit Agricole, came 63rd overall.

Hunt finished three minutes and 10 seconds behind Greipel, who crossed the line after a total of 18 hours 46 minutes and 18 seconds in the saddle.

Greipel said: "I'm really proud of it and my team is proud of me, everyone trusted me - I'm happy to be in Australia for the first time and win the first ProTour race here."

Sean Yates - one of the few British riders ever to wear the Tour de France yellow jersey - made his first outing as manager of the revamped Astana team after his former team, Discovery, disbanded.