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Tour Down Under
Preview |
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The first World Tour race of the
year is upon us. Over the years the race has become more and
more serious and while it is still very early in the season
and many riders and teams have come here seeking a strong
start and World Tour points.
2014 Results
1 Simon GERRANS
2 Cadel EVANS +1
3 Diego ULISSI +5
4 Richie PORTE +10
5 Nathan HAAS +27
6 Robert GESINK +30
7 Daryl IMPEY +34
8 Geraint THOMAS +37
9 Adam HANSEN +37
10 Egor SILIN +47
Past Winners
2014 Simon Gerrans
2013 Tom-Jelte Slagter
2012 Simon Gerrans
2011 Cameron Meyer
2010 Andre Greipel
The Route
A change in course this year has seen the corkscrew climb of
the past two years removed, while the popular Willunga Hill
remains. A second uphill finish has been added on stage three
in to Paracombe.
Stage 1: Tanunda - Campbelltown
Cadel Evans won the stage ending in Campbelltown last year but
that was after an ascent of the corkscrew climb. This year the
route skips the climb with two laps of an opening circuit each
containing a sprint point with crucial bonus seconds. With
just under 30km to go riders reach the top of the only KoM of
the day, Checker Hills. Topping out 28.5km from the finish it
is unlikely to see a rider or a select group go away to the
finish though the teams without sprinters will likely use to
climb in an attempt to reduce the group.
Sprint Points: 28.4km and 60.4km
KoM Points: 104.1km
Stage 2: Unley - Stirling
The stage finishing in Stirling is a long running part of the
Tour Down Under. Rolling roads all day before two full laps of
the finishing circuit and three ascents to the finish. It is a
finish that suits a puncheur or strong sprinter. Get a jump on
the bunch and you can often hold on. Past winners include
Michael Matthews, Tom-Jelte Slagter and Diego Ulissi. With
bonus second always important expect to see the overall
contenders fighting for the win.
Sprint Points: 49.4km and 100.1km
KoM Points: 29.8km
Stage 3: Norwood - Paracombe
An uphill start out of Norwood with an undulating opening
50km. From here the peloton faces three laps of an undulating
25.7km circuit each with a sprint point. At the end of the
third lap riders have a 15km downhill section before they
tackle the main feature of the stage. The Torrens Hill road
climb peaks with just 400m to the finish. While it is a flat
run in the climb will have taken a lot of riders out of
contention. Likely to see the first big shake up of the GC
with the climb a perfect opportunity for attacks.
Sprint Points: 67.4km, 93.1km and 118.8km
KoM Points: 142.8km
Stage 4: Glenelg - Mt Barker
More climbing from the start but fortunately for many it
doesn't last long and it then flattens out for around 30km.
From here though it will be a hard day in the saddle for many
as the roads again are up and down. With 40km remaining on the
stage there is a long gradual climb of around 20km. Another
small rise with around 10km remaining before the roads go
slightly downhill before a flat run in to the finish.
Sprint Points: 89.6km and 117.1km
KoM Points: 44.2km
Stage 5: McLaren Vale - Willunga Hill
The now famous Willunga Hill is back and is likely to again be
a crucial stage for the general classification. The stage
finishes with two climbs up Willunga Hill, the past three
years have seen Simon Gerrans win either the stage or the
overall here. It often comes down to a small sprint between
several of the GC contenders but last year Richie Porte was
allowed to ride away to the stage win. Expect to see the teams
of the contenders come to the front ahead of the first climb
and attempt to thin out the peloton.
Sprint Points: 63.4km and 103.4km
KoM Points: 129.1km and 151.1km (finish)
Stage 6: Adelaide
The traditional finish in Adelaide with 20 laps of a 4.5km
circuit. With bonus seconds at two sprints and the finish up
for grabs if the general classification is close the lead
could still change. Though it is really a day for the
sprinters and with the route as it is last year they have
fewer chances than in the past.
Sprint Points: 36km and 54km
KoM Points: 45km and 67.5km
The Contenders
Full start list available
here
General Classification
Orica-GreenEDGE
They may be missing Simon Gerrans and the team may be saying
they are just chasing a stage win but don't be fooled by that.
Even without Simon Gerrans the team has a number of cards to
play including former winner Cameron Meyer, Daryl Impey who
finished seventh last year while riding in support of Gerrans
and the 2014 Herald Sun Tour winner Simon Clarke. Michael
Hepburn was flying at the National Championships and will be
crucial in supporting the teams goals.
Meyer hasn't been back to the race since 2012. Meyer finished
nearly six minutes down at the National Championships last
weekend and he didn't seem at his best. Clarke finished 10th,
claiming second in the bunch sprint from the peloton behind
Steele Von Hoff. Clarke has been quiet since his Vuelta stage
win and while he has posted significant results including top
10 at the World Championships in 2013 and the Herald Sun Tour
last year, this is an opportunity to really step up.
Despite having two Australian contenders it is probably South
African Daryl Impey who has the best chance of making it three
wins in four years for the team. Seventh last year while
working for Gerrans shows Impey can perform on this type of
course. Finished 2014 strongly, winning the Tour of Alberta
and fourth (Gerrans won) in Quebec. Impey climbs well on the
shorter sharper climbs and has a strong sprint that will see
him pick up bonus seconds.
Cadel Evans and Rohan Dennis
Evans finished second last year, just one second behind
Gerrans after taking the lead with his Corkscrew Hill stage
win. It is the penultimate race for Evans and while he has had
stage success and wore the leaders jersey at his home tour he
has never won it. Without later season targets to focus on
expect him in peak form. Without the Corkscrew climb this year
Evans will have to be proactive elsewhere. A very smart rider
who will pick his moment. Often forgotten is that Evans has a
very quick finishing kick and will no doubt look to pick up
bonus seconds. Backed by a strong team including Rohan Dennis,
who finished fifth back in 2012 while still an under 23.
Dennis provides the team with a 1-2 punch and is a contender
in his own right should the right situation present itself.
Climber Peter Stetina will be an important rider in Evans'
ambitions.
Richie Porte, Geraint Thomas and Sky.
After finishing fourth last year Porte's early season form ran
out when he arrived in Europe and illness all but destroyed
his season. Back in a big way in 2015, Porte picked up the
national time trial title last week when he overturned a gap
of over 30 seconds on Rohan Dennis to claim a maiden title.
His form is clearly some of the best he has had in his life
and will be looking to carry that over. Porte won the stage to
Willunga Hill solo last year and if he can repeat that will be
in with a chance of the overall. The uphill to the finish in
Paracombe also suits Porte.
The Tour Down Under has been a happy hunting group for Geraint
Thomas the past two seasons. Won a stage and finished third
overall in 2013 before supporting Porte and still finishing
eighth himself last year. While Porte might be the team leader
Thomas gives the team another option as well as strong
support. In Peter Kennaugh, Team Sky has another rider who
could win.
Nathan Haas and Cannondale-Garmin
The now lone Australian on Garmin-sharp finished fifth last
year making it four Australian's in the top 5. Haas finished
nearly 30 seconds down while the top four were separated by
just 10 seconds before finishing fourth at the Herald Sun
Tour. As impressive as Haas' performances in Australia were it
was in Europe where he really stepped it up. Finished 12th at
Criterium International, 19th Circuit Cycliste Sarthe and an
impressive sixth at De Brabantse Pijl last year. Haas'
climbing has clearly improved and his fast finish saw him
involved in bunch sprints as well. Haas finished the year with
a second Japan Cup win.
Cannondale-Garmin brings a strong team including Ryder
Hesjedal and Davide Villella who are both strong climbers.
Jack Bauer is a bit of a wildcard for the team. Was impressive
throughout 2014 in Europe and very nearly earned himself a
Tour de France stage win. Easy to overlook has finished 11th
twice before.
Jack Haig and Robert Power
Over the past few years UniSA have proven to be more than just
a chance for young riders to get experiences but are producing
results. Rohan Dennis’ fifth and best young rider in 2012,
Jack Haig 17th and the best young riders jersey last year.
This year they bring arguably their strongest team yet. Jack
Haig is back and with his focus now solely on the road you can
expect more. An added bonus is the inclusion of Robert Power
this year. They two get on well and proved to be able to work
together well in Europe last year.
Haig was mixing it with World Tour riders last year and
finished third two weeks later at the Herald Sun Tour. Haig
spent the final months of the season in Europe with Jayco-AIS
WTA squad including finishing third at Tour Alsace. Before 4th
at GP Capodarco, 7th at GP Poggiana and 12th Tour de l'Avenir
while riding in support of Robert Power.
Robert Power has only spent one year at under 23 level but set
the field on fire. Three wins in one day ones in August, 2nd
and the first Australian to stand on the podium at the Tour de
l'Avenir plus 7th Tour d'Azerbaïdjan and Czech Cycling Tour,
8th Course de la Paix last year. When Power goes few can
follow. This is a new test for him riding against experienced
World Tour professionals so it will be interesting to see how
he goes. The pressure is off but with a strong team around him
Power could produce a very strong ride.
The focus might be on the two young guns but Jack Bobridge is
also in the team. His past few years at World Tour level might
have bee quiet results wise but Bobridge is back in a big way.
Bobridge finished third in the time trial at the National
Championships and hasn’t had this much focus and determination
in years.
Miles Scotson was flying at the National Championships taking
both the under 23 time trial and road race title and will be
strong support. Don’t ignore Neil Van der Ploeg either.
Considered a sprinter but he also climbs very well. The climbs
here might just be a little too much but will be very
important support for Haig and Power.
Luis Leon Sanchez
After spending 2014 at pro-continental level Sanchez is back
in the World Tour with Astana in 2015. A former winner back in
2005 and has also finished second twice before. The race is
different now to what it was then but Sanchez is still a name
to watch. The undulating roads of many of the stages is where
Sanchez is at home. Astana brings a strong team including Lars
Boom, Dario Cataldo and Laurens De Vreese.
Adam Hansen
One of the most popular figures in the peloton and always
performs well on Australian soil. Finished ninth last year
while also claiming the King of the Mountains jersey and
increasing his popularity. A key part of Andre Greipel's
leadout and with the German missing the race this year Hansen
has more opportunity for himself. Hansen has stage wins at the
Giro and Vuelta as well as ninth at the Tour of Turkey last
year. After claiming eighth at the National Championships
expect to see Hansen again in contention.
Giant-Shimano
The team brings eight time Tour de France stage winner Marcel
Kittel but World Time Trial Championships bronze medallist
could prove to be a strong challenger for the overall. While
Dumoulin is a strong time trialist, he is just as at home on
the undulating terrain here. Second last year at Baloise
Belgium Tour and the Tour of Alberta, 3rd Eneco Tour, 5th Tour
de Suisse as well as 2nd in GP Quebec and 6th Montreal, races
both won by Simon Gerrans. If Dumoulin comes with good form he
could be the name to challenge the Australian's.
Simon Geschke is a rider similar to Tom Dumoulin who performs
well on the undulating terrain and finished 24th last year. A
strong end of season finishing top 20 at the Tour of Alberta
and GP Quebec and Montreal. American climbers Chad Haga and
Lawson Craddock who have both been top 10 finishes at the Tour
of California could also play a role. A very strong team with
multiple cards to play.
Michael Rogers
Rogers is a former winner back in 2002. While the route and
style of racing has changed from then, it is actually in his
favour. Rogers had arguably the best year of his career in
2014 taking two stages of the Giro and a stage of the Tour.
Somewhat surprisingly before last year he had not won an
individual Grand Tour stage. Eighth in the time trial at the
National Championships, while bad luck impacted his road race.
With most of his time in Europe likely to be in a support role
the Tour Down Under is one of the few chances he will have for
himself. The added climbing in the race should suit him.
Tiago Machado
It might not be remembered by many after the close battle
between Gerrans and Valverde but Machado finished on the
podium in 2012. Machado backed that up finishing ninth in 2013
and after a year away from the race is back hoping to find
himself on the podium again. Had a very strong 2014 season
winning Tour de Slovenia and finishing 3rd Criterium
International, 4th Tour of California and 6th Giro del
Trentino. A strong climber who has proven to be a strong
performer at the race, with two uphill finishes expect a
strong ride.
Gorka Izaguirre and Movistar
After winning the team World Tour rankings for the past two
years Movistar returns to Australia looking to get their
season off to a good start. Izaguirre has a strong record here
including finishing seventh in his last appearance in the
race. A strong climber and with two uphill finishes expect to
see the Spanish team in the mix. A wildcard could be 2013 Tour
de l'Avenir winner Ruben Fernandez who is lining up as a World
Tour rider for the first time.
George Bennett
The Kiwi climber will ride for LottoNL-Jumbo in 2015 after a
year with Cannondale. Bennett could be the surprise packet
this year. Finished 15th in 2013 but has had a strong start to
the season. Bennett finished fifth at the Tour de Vineyards
and the National Championships.
Tim Roe
Spent two years with BMC and another with their development
team but had a difficult time with injury. Took the step back
to continental level with Budget Forklifts but has now signed
with Drapac. Was a consistent performer in the Australian
National Road Series last year and looks ready to return to
compete with the best. Very strong on the climbs and Drapac
will no doubt be looking to perform in front of a home crowd.
The team is not short of talent with former winner Martin
Kohler, stage winner Will Clarke plus Travis Meyer.
Trek Factory Racing
The name to watch on Trek Factory racing might just be Daniel
McConnell. The name might not be familiar to many road cycling
fans but McConnell won a bronze medal in mountain biking at
the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Hasn't spent much time on the
road but finished second on the final stage of the Herald Sun
Tour to Arthur’s Seat in 2013. 22 year old Calvin Watson, who
won the Sun Tour in 2013 also has a chance to step up.
Etixx-QuickStep
After three years at the pro-continental level Spanish climber
David de la Cruz has made the step up to the World Tour. The
two uphill finishes suit de la Cruz who will no doubt be
looking to take advantage of the opportunity. In Pieter Serry
the team has a second option for the general classification.
Ag2r La Mondiale
The team has won the race four times in the past and bring a
team of climbers that put them in with a chance of making it
five. Giro stage winner Domenico Pozzovivo and Tour de France
stage winners Blel Kadri and Christophe Riblon give the team a
number of options. With two uphill finishes in the race this
year the team have a strong chance of success.
Martin Elmiger
2007 winner Elmiger returns with IAM Cycling who will make
their World Tour debut. The experienced Elmiger knows what it
takes to win and combined with David Tanner and Stef Clement
the team has multiple options to play.
Other names to watch: Jussi Veikkanen, Maxime Bouet, Kristijan
Durasek, Tsgabu Grmay and David Tanner.
Sprinters
The number of stages for the sprinters have been in decline of
late but there is still a number of opportunities for the
sprinters.
Marcel Kittel: After winning eight stages of the Tour de
France, Kittel has announced himself as the man to beat in
sprints. Has been to the race the past two years and is yet to
really come close to winning a stage.
Heinrich Haussler: Hasn't quite found the form he has in 2009
but the signs are that Haussler is back. Won the Australian
National Championship on a hilly course after outsprinting
Caleb Ewan. It could be just the confidence boost Haussler
needs.
Steele Von Hoff: Left without a contract when Garmin refused
to give him a definitive answer. Eventually signed with
continental team NFTO. Has had a strong start to the season
after defending his criterium title ahead of Caleb Ewan.
Finished third on the opening stage last year and with this
form could go even better.
Mark Renshaw: After two seasons riding for himself reverted to
Mark Cavendish's leadout man last season. Won a stage of the
Tour of Britain showing when he gets an opportunity is ready
to deliver.
Gianni Meersman: A fast finisher especially from a select
group and with a number of undulating stages here don't be
surprised to see him walk away with a stage win.
Greg Henderson: Has bee a crucial part of many of Andre
Greipel's wins including his success at the Tour Down Under.
This year and with a chance for himself he could take one of
his own. The 38 year old too several podiums in 2014 plus
finishing seventh at the Commonwealth Games. Won the final
stage of the Bay Crits earlier this month.
Wouter Wippert: Won stages of the New Zealand Cycle Classic,
Tour de Taiwan, Tour of Japan, Tour de Kumano, Tour of China
II and Tour of Hainan. In his first World Tour race the former
Tour de l'Avenir stage winner will look to start 2015 where he
left off. Strong support from leadout specialist Graeme Brown.
Chris Sutton: Has had a quiet few seasons but after winning
the Japan Cup criterium at the end of 2014 things looks to be
turning around for Sutton. A crash ruled him out of the race
last year but the 2010 stage winner will look to return to his
best this year.
Juan Jose Lobato: Won a stage of Tour de Wallonie and Vuelta
Burgos towards the end of 2014 and had eight other podium
finishes. One of the big improvers and his fourth place at
Milano-Sanremo shows he is ready to take a big win.
Giacomo Nizzolo: Won a stage of the Tour de San Luis and Tour
de Wallonie in 2014. Doesn't have the speed of some of the
pure sprinters but the undulating stages here should suit him
and take a number of other sprinters out of contention.
Niccolo Bonifazio: The 21 year old finished 2014 strongly
winning Coppa Agostoni and three stages of the Tour of Hainan.
Roberto Ferrari: The Giro stage winner is perhaps most well
known for the crash that took Mark Cavendish out of contention
on stage three in 2012. Numerous top fives the past two
seasons but hasn't taken a single win.
Other names to watch: Daryl Impey, Silvan Dillier, Nathan
Haas, Barry Markus, Bert-Jan Lindeman, Kenny De Haes, Lorrenzo
Manzin and Neil
Van der Ploeg. |
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