Germany's Gerdemann snatches Tirreno first stage

MILAN (Reuters) - Germany's Linus Gerdemann grabbed victory in the first stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico on Wednesday, the first big stage race of the Italian season.

The Milram rider beat off second-placed Spaniard Pablo Lastras of Caisse d'Epargne while Denmark's Matti Breschel was third for Saxo Bank.

The 148km stage from Livorno on the west coast to Rosignano Solvay was characterized by cold temperatures and rain, making it difficult for top sprinters such as Britain's Mark Cavendish to impose themselves.

Home hope Alessandro Petacchi, fit to race after a fall in training, was also outside the leading pack.

Thursday's stage is a loop, starting and finishing at Montecatini Terme, with the race concluding on the Adriatic east coast at San Benedetto del Tronto next Tuesday.

(Writing by Mark Meadows; Editing by Ken Ferris)