Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas-Doimo) won the first stage of the Tour de San Luis in Argentina. Chicci beat native boy Edgardo Simon (Funvic-Pindamonhanga) and Danilo Napolitano (Katusha).
A break with Jesus Rosendo (Andalucia-Cajasur), Arnols Alcolea (Cuban National Team), Arles Castro (Colombian National Team), Emanuel Guevera (Argentinean NAtional Team) and Luis Mansilla (Chilean National Team) did not succeed to stay away.
The race marked the first race in the 2010 of Michael Rasmussen (Miche), who finished 73rd. Other big names in the peloton include Filippo Pozzato (Katusha, 95th) and Chicchi's teammate, Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Doimo, 38rd)
Results:
1. Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas-Doimo) 4h22'53
2. Edgar Simon (Funvic-Pindamonhanga)
3. Danilo Napolitano (Katusha)
4. Alberto Loddo (Androni-Giocattoli)
5. Francisco Jose Pacheco Torres (Xacobeo-Galicia)