Posted: Tue January 22, 2013 1:06AM; Updated: Tue January 22, 2013 1:17AM

Greipel wins opening stage of Tour Down Under

Germany's Andre Greipel equalled Robbie McEwen's record of 12 Tour Down Under stage wins.

Mark Gunter/AFP/Getty Images

ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) -- Germany's Andre Greipel won the first stage of the Tour Down Under on Tuesday, becoming the most successful rider in the race's history by claiming his 12th stage win overall.

Greipel's Lotto Belisol teammates led him into a prominent position at the final bend and he drew away to win the 85-mile stage effortlessly from Arnaud Demare of France, Australia's Mark Renshaw and defending champion Simon Gerrans.

The same teamwork guided Greipel to victory in the tour's 30-mile criterium on Sunday -- his third win in that event -- and he will wear the tour leader's jersey into the second stage on Wednesday.