Bram De Groot (Rabobank) has won Stage One of the Tour of the Mediterranean. The Dutchman rode away from seven breakaway companions to win the 112-km run in Arma Di Taggia, Italy in 2:37:20. Paolo Bettini (Quick Step) outsprinted Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) for second at 0:01.

The stage featured three climbs--the Poggio, the Torima, and San Bartolomeo. On the last of these ascents (69 km), eight riders--De Groot, Bettini, Hushovd, Laurent Brochard and Christophe Oriol (both from Ag2r), Mirko Celestino (Saeco), and Sylvain Chavanel and Thomas Voeckler (Brioches La Boulangere)--attacked. The octet forged a 1:25 lead by the finish.

With one km left, De Groot stole a march on his companions. Bettini led the pursuit of the Dutchman, but the seven chasers came up short.

In the overall, De Groot leads Bettini by 0:05 and Hushovd by 0:07. Stage 2 will be tough. The 109-km run from Menton to Le Cannet will feature a series of climbs, including an uphill finish in Le Cannet. A small group could battle for the day's honors. Will De Groot keep his overall lead? Check in on http://www.roadcycling.com/ and find out!