Cadel Evans and the BMC Racing Team got rolling Sunday night in the People's Choice Classic criterium, the lead-up to the Santos Tour Down Under.

Silvan Dillier (26th place) was the team's best finisher in the 51-kilometer, 30-lap race through the streets of Adelaide. Marcel Kittel (Team Giant-Alpecin) took the win ahead of Juan Jose Lobato (Movistar Team) and Wouter Wippert (Drapac Professional Cycling). Evans finished 83rd, in the same time as the winner.

"It was safe and fast so for those who have good sprinters it makes for a good race," Evans said. "At the same time, it is not a risk for everyone so I think it is a good way to get the legs going for the race on Tuesday for the guys that haven’t raced before."

"It was pretty crazy, Dillier said. "The crowd was so good and cheered for us, especially for the BMC guys with Cadel. It was really nice on the parcours but it was also crazy. It’s the first race of the season and everyone was excited about that. They went hard.

"For the first race, it was quite good. I hope I can stay at this level and probably progress during the week."

For Campbell Flakemore, it was his first real race with the BMC Racing Team.

"It was pretty cool," he said. "It’s always nice to race in Australia. The crowds were pretty cool. It was nice to get the first one out of the way but the proper one starts on Tuesday I guess.

"It’s a step up to the pro peloton but I think with this jersey you get a bit of respect.

"I feel pretty good but this was just an hour and the races next week are four. I feel alright but we have to wait and see. I am very motivated. It’s Cadel’s last race and my first. Hopefully I can help him out as much as I can."