On a stage dominated by local riders, Health Net-Maxxis’s John Murphy took the green jersey and sits second overall after the first stage of the Tour of Taiwan.

Besides Health Net, the other American team in the race is Team Type 1. Their top rider after the first stage was Emile Abraham in 25th.

"The team did an excellent job of leading out Murphy for the sprints," Health Net directeur sportif Mike Tamayo said. "Kyle (Gritters) was particularly instrumental. On the second sprint, we did a drag-race leadout and Murphy just killed it."

Health Net has won the race the last two years, with Shawn Milne taking the win last year and Kirk O'Bee in 2006.