Photo finish win for Chicchi

Chicchi won the stage by the depth of a rim ahead of JJ Haedo (Saxo Bank) to claim the stage and take the race leader’s jersey in a time of 4:53.18.

Argentianian nationl team member Mauro Richeze finished the 189.3km stage from San Luis to Villa Mercedes in third place.

"We attacked with about 50 kilometres to go to the arrival, with team Saxo Bank taking advantage of the wind," said Chicchi of the stage that was buffeted by unseasonal weather.

"My team mates did a splendid job and we managed to break up the group into several parts. When I lifted my head I would see athletes in front of me like [Sylvain] Chavanel, [Levi] Leipheimer and [Tom] Boonen, all working for me, and my only thought was that I couldn't let them down. Having a last man like Boonen was super. Tom launched me perfectly."

Chicchi also won a stage in the 2010 edition of the race.

The stage was animated by a three man breakaway which built a 10 minute gap on the peloton before QuuickStep, aided by Saxo Bank and Liquigas-Cannondale, brought them back.

The seven stage tour continues Tuesday with a 147km stretch from Fraga to Juana Koslay.

Stage 1: 189.3km, San Luis to Villa Mercedes.

1 Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Omega Pharma - Quick Step 4:53:18
2 Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank
3 Mauro Richeze (Arg) Argentina
4 Luis Mansilla (Chi) Chile
5 Jimmy Casper (Fra) Ag2R-La Mondiale
6 Sonny Colbrelli (Ita) Colnago-CSF Inox
7 Fco. Jose Ventoso (Spa) Movistar
8 Samuel Caldeira (Por) Carmin-Prio
9 Jacob Keough (USA) Unitedhealtchare
10 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Christina Watches

General Classification:

1 Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Omega Pharma - Quick Step 4:53:08
2 Juan Jose Haedo (Arg) Team Saxo Bank 0:00:04
3 Mauro Richeze (Arg) Argentina 0:00:06
4 Paolo Locatelli (Ita) Colnago-CSF Inox 0:00:09
5 Luis Mansilla (Chi) Chile 0:00:10
6 Jimmy Casper (Fra) Ag2R-La Mondiale
7 Sonny Colbrelli (Ita) Colnago-CSF Inox
8 Fco. Jose Ventoso (Spa) Movistar
9 Samuel Caldeira (Por) Carmin-Prio
10 Jacob Keough (USA) Unitedhealtchare