Tour de France champion Alberto Contador made a lone break to victory in the first stage of the Tour of the Basque Country.

The Astana team leader finished around three seconds ahead of fellow Spaniard Ezequiel Mosquera. Spaniard David Herrero led in the bunch of chasers for third.

"I took some risks on the descent leading to the finish but it was worth taking a chance," Contador said, referring to the dangerous, rain-soaked terrain.

"I've come here to win overall and this is just the start I needed."

Contador and Mosquera took off on the final climb of the stage, the Alto de Descarga. Contador then attacked two kilometres from the line for a lone win.

"It wasn't just me who put on a real show in this stage, it was my whole team," he said.

"They toughened up the race throughout and gave me the chance to attack."

Astana have been barred from the Tour de France because of their implications in doping scandals meaning Contador, who joined the team this season, will not be able to defend his title.

The Tour of the Basque Country finishes on April 12.

Reuters