Haedo takes first stage at Tour of California

SANTA ROSA, California (Reuters) - Argentina's Juan Jose Haedo broke clear in the waning meters to capture stage one of the Tour of California by more than two bike lengths on Monday.

Haedo, 27, a sixth-year professional, completed the 156-kilometre Sausalito to Santa Rosa road race in four hours, three minutes, 29 seconds, at an average speed of 38.368 kph.

Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland, Haedo's team mate who won the prologue, finished 15th in the stage in the same time and holds a two-second race lead over American Tyler Farrar. Briton Bradley Wiggins is third overall, trailing by four seconds.

Gerald Ciolek of Germany was second in the stage and compatriot Heinrich Haussler was third, both in the same time as the stage winner.

Haedo win was his fifth stage in the three-old race and his third victory of the season.

Defending champion Levi Leipheimer of the United States, the third place finisher in the 2007 Tour de France, placed 20th in the stage. Leipheimer is fourth overall, trailing by six seconds.

American Stewart Jackson built nearly a 13-minute lead after leaving the field after 15 kilometers. But he was caught about 30 kilometers from the finish.

The 1,046-kilometre, eight-day race continues on Tuesday with the 187-kilometre Santa Rosa to Sacramento second stage road race.

The $150,000 event continues through to Sunday with 150 km Santa Clarita to Pasadena road race.