Ewan managed to recover from missing out narrowly yesterday, when he was pipped to the finish line by Germany's André Greipel, to take victory in a time of 7 hours, 54 mins.

As reported by Cycling News, after his win, Ewan said: "It's just good to get that confidence back after the last few races.

"I've done this circuit before so I know where I can relax and when I need to be at the front.

"The boys did the same thing.

"We were relaxed when we could and went hard when we needed to.

"The boys put me in a perfect position again, and this team backed me 100 per cent even though some results haven't gone perfectly for us.

"So for them to back me on a stage that doesn't even suit me, it means a lot."

The Australian now leads the overall tour by 10 seconds over closest rival and team-mate Daryrl Impey of South Africa, who finished second in today's race.

Ewan's compatriot Jay McCarthy, riding for Bora-Hansgrohe, finished third after a 148.6km route from Unley to Stirling.

Yesterday's stage winner Greipel could only finish down in 100th, 7.27 seconds behind the winner.

The competition continues in Adelaide tomorrow with the riders starting a 146.5km race in Glenelg, which finishes in Victor Harbor.

The event is part of the International Cycling Union WorldTour.