Simon Yates’ 27th place finish was the highest of Great Britain’s six riders in the prologue of the 2013 Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
The British Cycling Olympic Academy Programme athlete completed the 4.8km in 5:44.38, 19 seconds back from winner Jordan Kerby on a course which started and finished in Williamstown.
Fellow Great Britain Academy rider Alistair Slater opened the tour with a 43rd placing whilst first year Academy riders Chris Latham and Sam Lowe came in 74th and 89th respectively.
Graham Briggs (31st) and Richard Lang (62nd) were also in the colours of GB and the team will now focus on Friday's 148km stage 1 from Sunbury to Bendigo.
The 60th edition of Australia’s oldest stage race finishes on the 6 January.
Results - Full results
1. Jordan Kerby 5:25.01
2. Joseph Cooper 5:26.48
3. David Kelly 5:28.69
27. Simon Yates GBR 5:44.38
28. Graham Briggs GBR 5:45.88
43. Alistair Slater GBR 5:50.58
62. Richard Lang GBR 5:55.01
74. Chris Latham GBR 5:58.44
89. Sam Lowe GBR 6:03.16
Race timetable
Thursday 3 January 2013 - Prologue 4.8km - Williamstown
Friday 4 January 2013 - Stage 1 -147.7km - Sunbury to Bendigo
Saturday 5 January 2013 - Stage 2 - 146.6km - Mitchelton to Healesville
Sunday 6 January 2013 - Stage 3 - 93km - Moonah Links to Arthurs Seat
