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James Whelan continued to press his claims for a World Tour return after the snubbed rider sprinted clear to create an 83-second Festival of Cycling lead.

James Whelan has sent another reminder of his class after a World Tour contract snub, sprinting clear to dominate the first stage of the Festival of Cycling.

The 25-year-old is riding for Australian continental squad Team BridgeLane after failing to secure a WT contract in 2022 despite three years with EF Education-Nippo.

A brave second in the road race at this month's Australian Championships was his first act and he now has an intimidating 83-second lead in Adelaide's three-stage tour.

Whelan flew solo to the line in the opening stage from Stirling to Lobethal, one minute and 23 seconds ahead of teammate Matt Dinham.

Their team tactics meant the likes of 2020 Tour de France third-place Richie Porte (5:19), Tokyo bronze medallist Rohan Dennis (4:53) and national road champion Luke Plapp (1:23) had no answer.

"My solo attack at nationals didn't quite pull out the way as planned, so to pull it off today is pretty surreal," Whelan said.

"I'd like to say a ride like this shows I should still be on the World Tour, but a lot of guys are in my position.

"If any teams are watching and have a spot available 'hi, my name's Jimmy, how are you?'."

With the team behind him and motivation obvious, Whelan is trying to snuff out chat that his lead is already considered insurmountable.

"It's definitely not game over, it's a complicated race. I do have a big buffer ... but we have a lot of work to do," he said.

"There's some classy bike riders here ... we'll stay on our toes.

"Sometimes the best defence is offence."

The domestic event replaces the Tour Down Under for the second year because of international travel restrictions and doesn't carry World Tour status.