Brit Adam Blythe of the BMC racing team was fifth as the Tour Of Belgium got underway.
The race started with a 162km stage from Mechelen to Buggenhout and featured a strong field including the likes of Phillipe Gilbert.
The stage finished with a brunch sprint which was won by Andrei Greipel in a time of 3.33.11 ahead of Danilo Napolitano (Acqua & Sapone) and Kenny Van Hummel (Vacansoleil-DCM) in third.
Omega Pharma's Andrew Fenn finished 15th whilst Mark McNally who rides for Sean Kelly's team was 142nd.
Picture courtesy of Burte Hoppe