The Drapac Cycling rider crossed the Bendigo finish line in 12th position after being a part of the lead pack for much of the race.

Norris said the scorching heat played a massive part in the way he and his team attacked the race.

“It was a very hard race, it was hot and really lumpy all day, by the time we got to the climb we didn’t have a huge gap at the front and unfortunately I couldn’t go with the guys in front,” he said.

“We were chasing at the end but we couldn’t close the gap.

“It was just too fast and everyone was really tired.”

Norris said in the last 30 to 40 kilometres of the race the heat started to take a toll. 

"It took the sting out of everyone’s legs," he said.

"We all absolutely had it."

Norris now has his eyes set on stage three of the Tour, which begins at the Mitchelton Winery on Saturday.