The Spanish stage race is expected to suit climbers throughout the week, but it opened with a largely flat 152 kilometre course which started and ended in Calella.

A six man move broke clear in the opening stages of the race, including Ukraine's Andriy Grivko and Switzerland's Tom Bohli.

They would only hold a two minute advantage over the peloton heading into the closing 20km.

Their lead was reduced further on the climb to Port de Collsacreu, with the move brought to an end as the peloton reached the summit of the ascent.

Having controlled the descent, with no further breakaways, the main field readied themselves for a sprint finish.

Hodeg, riding for Quick-Step Floors, would ultimately emerge as the winner in a time of 3 hours, 39min and 31sec.

In doing so, the Colombian secured the first win of the season for a neo-pro - a rider in their first year of a professional contract.

Hodeg was followed across the line by the Bora-Hansgrohe duo Sam Bennett of Ireland and Australia's Jay McCarthy.

Due to bonus seconds, Hodeg will hold a four second lead over Bennett in the general classification heading into the second stage of the International Cycling Union WorldTour race.

Grivko is a further second back in third, having earned bonus seconds at intermediate sprints during the stage.

Racing will continue tomorrow with a 175km stage from Mataró to Valls.