The Tolland Cycling Club talent came off scratch, but still managed to secure a hard-fought victory in the first stage in Narrandera. Treloar completed the race in the fastest time of the day, finishing the course in 1:43.11.

Wagga Cycling Club competitors Chris Powell and Charlie Hamilton filled out the minor placings ahead of fourth-placed Malcolm Blake of Griffith and Craig McMillan of Albury. 

"It was tough for Peter coming off scratch," Tolland Cycling Club stalwart Barry O'Hagan said. "He did well to get up."

The Tour de Riverina, which consists of five stages, is one of the premier events on the region's cycling calendar. The tour opened with a challenging 70 km course through the heart of the Narrandera Shire.

The route followed an out-and-back course towards Barellan, which was punctuated by two short but arduous climbs. "There was a tail wind going out, but a very strong head wind coming home," O'Hagan said.

"Riders sat on 57/58 kilometres an hour heading out, but coming back in they had dropped back to about 40." The second stage of the tour will take place in Griffith on Sunday.