THE Tour of Britain raced through Lancashire on Saturday with Andre Greipel winning a rain soaked first stage.

Spectators lined the route which took in Burnley, Padiham, Whalley and the Trough of Bowland before finishing on a rain swept Blackpool Promenade.

And Greipel won the Rochdale to Blackpool stage after a sprint finish on South Shore Promenade.

Greipel headed Italian Manuel Belletti and Greg Henderson across the line, after excellent work by his HTC – Columbia team who helped bring their star sprinter back to the peloton after he punctured with just eight kilometres to go.

Greipel though re-joined the front group after his entire HTC – Columbia squad waited for him, helping him back to the peloton with around four kilometres to go, a move that proved successful for the American team.

“It’s always something special to win the first stage because you get the leader’s jersey as well,” said the 28-year-old.

“This was our main goal to win the stage and we achieved it .

“Of course the weather was not the best today, one time it was warm and another time it was cold, then raining, but I’m happy the sun came out for the finish, so a good day for us.”

On his chances of keeping the yellow jersey presented by Bikeability, Greipel was cagey, saying, “I think there are a couple of good teams here, so for sure they will want to drop me on the climbs, so maybe they do, or maybe they don’t!”

Stage One results

1. Andre Griepel Team HTC-Columbia
2. Manuel Belletti Colnago-CSF Inox
3. Greg Henderson Sky Professional Cycle
4. Alex Rasmussen Team Saxo Bank
5. Martin Reimer Cervelo Test Team.

General Classification
1. Andre Griepel Team HTC-Columbia
2. Manuel Belletti Colnago-CSF Inox
3. Greg Henderson Sky Professional Cycle
4. Russ Downing Sky Professional
5. Richie Porte Team Saxo Bank.

Honda Combativity Award
Richie Porte Team Saxo Bank.

Prostrate Cancer Charity Points jersey
1. Andre Griepel 15pts
2. Manuel Belletti 14pts
3. Greg Henderson 13pts.

King of the Mountains
1. Wout Poels Team HTC-Columbia 16pts
2. Richie Ports Team Saxo Bank 13pts
3 Jack Bauer Endura Racing 10pts.

Sprint Jersey
1. Richie Porte Team Saxo Bank 10pts
2. Russ Downing Sky Professional 7pts
3. Wout Poels Vacansoleil Pro Cycling 6pts