Chengmai (China), Oct 20 (IANS): Moreno Hofland from Belkin-Pro cycling team claimed the opening stage of the Tour of Hainan cycling race Sunday.
The Dutchman timed an hour 46 minutes 36 seconds and took the yellow jersey, beating Frederic Amorison from Crelan-Euphony in second place. Hofland's teammate Thomas Leeze came third, reports Xinhua.
Hofland also donned the green jersey for leading the intermediate sprints classification. Chinese Dong Xiaoyong from Qinghai Tianyoude team kept the blue jersey as the best Asian rider for the first stage.
The Dutchman said he was very pleased for winning the first stage and would defend the yellow jersey in later races.
The 1,432 km, nine-stage race will end here Oct 28.
The second stage covers 174.5 km from Chengmai to Dingan.