Johnson proved too strong in the bunch sprint at Uranquinty on Sunday.

Part of the second bunch who held off the scratch riders, Johnson finished clear of fellow Tolland Cycling Club member Daniel Addison to take the win.

He was thrilled with how he started off the tour.

"It was good as I've been racing for a fair while without a handicap win," Johnson said. "It's probably been 11 years."

With the race over three laps, Johnson knew Myles Stewart and Sean Smith were closing the gap.

However they finished 50 seconds behind the leading group.

"I knew they were chasing us but there were only two of them left," Johnson said.

"As it was an out and back course so we could see them each time we passed them and they were getting closer each time we passed them.

"We weren't sure if they were going to catch us"

Stewart did clock the fastest overall time completing the 70 kilometre course in 1:31.17 hours.

Griffith's Mia Stockwell was the first female across the line.

Johnson is now heading to the Tolland Open on March 6 and 7.

Wagga cycling legend Barry O'Hagan is hoping for big numbers to take part with already over 70 entries taken.

Johnson will also take part in the next leg of the Tour de Riverina at Barooga on March 28.

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