The 35-year-old Spaniard led home a break of 50 riders in an exciting finish in front of a massive crowd, boosted by the riders who had competed in the BUPA challenge earlier in the day.

“It was a difficult finale,” said Freire.

“I knew I had a really good chance to win. The race was hard (so) it was better for me.

“I'm happy to score the team's first victory of the year after joining Katusha,” said Freire who was in his first race for the Russian outfit.

Respected cycling authority and commentator Phil Liggett said he could only see a rosy future for the Santos Tour Down Under in South Australia.

“The TDU continues to climb in popularity and the absence of Lance (Armstrong) did not reflect on the crowds,” Liggett said.

“Eddy Merckx proved a huge success and really enjoyed his stay.

“The race, as a World Tour event, is firmly fixed in the calendar and guaranteed sponsorship for another four years from Santos.

“I felt it was the most successful edition and comes when Australian cycling is riding the crest of a wave,” he said.

Liggett said Australia’s first international team GreenEDGE made its point with its rider Simon Gerrans winning the race and had created a massive interest in the sport in Australia.

“Coincidentally, this coincides with the increase in cycling as a pastime around the World, and the BUPA Challenge prompted BUPA to say they are in for the long haul.”