Team Sky claimed their first ever Pro Tour stage victory as the Tour Down Under reached its climax in Adelaide, but it was HTC-Columbia's Andre Greipel who was celebrating most after claiming overall victory.
A sprint finish was always on the cards at the end of the 90km stage and Sky's Chris Sutton had enough left in the tank at the end to power to victory.
Team-mate Greg Henderson put in a final surge to take second place and complete a glorious day for the British team.
Germany's Greipel, who won the race two years ago, finished fifth to hold off nearest GC challenger Luis Leon Sanchez.
Lance Armstrong, who was using the race as part of his build up for this year's Tour de France, a race he has won on seven previous occasions, was 77th on the final stage to finish 25th overall, more than one minute behind Greipel.
After his stage victory, Australian Sutton said: "It's all about teamwork. We spoke about tactics beforehand and we took control with around two kilometres to go.
"We're a new team and it's all about learning about each other but everyone's already working so well together."
Overall standings:
1. Andre Greipel (Germany, HTC Columbia)
2. Luis Leon Sanchez (Spain, Caisse D'Espargne)
3. Greg Henderson (New Zealand, Team Sky)
4. Robbie McEwen (Australia, Katusha)
5. Luke Roberts (Australia, Milram)
