In wet and windy weather in the Dutch capital, Wiggins finished the 8.4-kilometer (5.2-mile) individual time trial in 10 minutes, 20 seconds.

Riding the Giro for the first time in eight years, Evans of Australia finished in a tie for second with American newcomer Brent Bookwalter.

Astana's Alexandre Vinokourov, returning from a two-year doping suspension, was five seconds back followed by Wiggins' teammate at newly established Sky Team, Greg Henderson of New Zealand.

Wiggins' winning momentum started with an early charge from the start ramp. He maintained his blistering pace through the circuit's tight turns and long straights, showing no signs of fatigue as he crossed the line, a stone's throw away from Amsterdam's picturesque Olympic Stadium.

“I knew I had a good chance,” Wiggins said. “I thought, let me go out and do what Bradley Wiggins can do. For me it's beautiful to wear the pink jersey. It's one of the most special jerseys. To wear this is a big honor.” Defending champion Denis Menchov of Rabobank skipped the peloton to focus on Tour de France preparations while Lance Armstrong is featuring in the Tour of California, which begins on May 16.

Earlier Saturday, little-known Bookwalter took the pink-adorned city circuit by surprise with a solid sprint finish. He appeared set to capture a stunning victory after an early lead but Wiggins forced him to relinquish it with a perfectly timed race.

“It's an amazing feeling to be honest,” the Belgium-born Wiggins said. “I am fan of cycling. This is an iconic jersey and it means a lot to me. To take it in such style in Amsterdam is even more special.” The 3,433-kilometer (2,133-mile) course winds its way toward the central city of Utrecht on Sunday in another flat 213-kilometer (132-mile) second stage.

The third leg is also in the Netherlands with riders heading south to the University city of Middelburg before moving to Italy on Wednesday after a day's rest.

The Giro, which also started in the northern city of Groningen in 2002, is in the Netherlands for the second time in race history.