Racing on a steamy Brisbane summer's day, the Cairns raised cyclist who spent his childhood years training in 40 degree heat and 90 per cent humitidy in the tropics, simply revelled in the conditions, which took their toll on the stellar field.

"I think I suffered for most of the race," Hutchinson revealed after coming over the top of Liberty Seguros sprinter Allan Davis in the lengthy finishing straight. "Just so happens I got across to the move at the end and was lucky enough to get a good sit on Henk (Vogels) coming around the last corner, and passed him coming up the straight here."

Hutchinson was part of a sizeable breakaway group containing more than ten riders, which after several early moves managed to split the race apart. Among the key protagonists once again were Jaaron Poad and Tony Mann who set the pace early, while Davitamon-Lotto's Henk Vogels showed his comeback victory can't be too far away.

Coming back from his off-season break, hometown favourite Robbie McEwen finished his day early as part of the main bunch which was ordered off course with three laps to go and the lead pack bearing down. McEwen was in esteemed company, with Francaise des Jeux riders Baden Cooke and Brad McGee among those also queuing up for an early shower.