Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian UAE Team Emirates rider, has opened the road bicycle racing season with a win at the Clasica Jaen Paraiso Interior, a one-day race in Spain's Andalusia part of which is on gravel.

The two-time Tour de France winner broke away from the main group at more than 40 kilometres to go to the finish to defeat Briton Ben Turner (Ineos Grenadiers) by 58 seconds. Pogačar's teammate, Belgian Tim Wellens finished third.

The 24-year-old proved he is in top shape after struggling with ill health in the preparation period. A puncture some 10 kilometres before the finish line would not hold him back.

His UAE Team Emirates controlled the 179-kilometre race between Ubeda and Baeza for much of the day.

"I couldn't be happier to start the season like this. It makes me really happy the team worked so well today, it was like fairytale to finish with the first and third place. It's amazing," Pogačar said after his 47th career win.