Is this the hardest program in the 22 years history of the race? It might be. Santos Tour Down Under has changed a lot in the recent decade. Just remember, 10 years ago Andre Greipel (Israel Start-Up Nation) won the race. Nowadays sprinters are mentioned rarely if it comes to name the race favourites.
Nevertheless, the sprinters have their own opportunities to chase the glory, most likely on stage 1 and 4. Besides Greipel, also Elia Viviani (Cofidis) Sam Bennett (Deceuninck-Quick Step). Giacomo Nizzolo (NTT Pro Cycling), Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Soudal) and Jasper Philipsen (UAE Team Emirates) will ride the first World Tour race of the new season.
Stage 2 and 5 are rather for the breakaway riders, meanwhile, the GC-Favourites and their teams have to be careful. When someone could gain a big advantage one of these stages, could play a role in the big game too. For example Diego Ulissi (UAE Team Emirates) or Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana). Also, Thomas de Gendt (Lotto-Soudal) will attend the race, and you never know, when he is willing to show the rest of the peloton, who is the real breakaway king. Mads Petersen, the World Champion will be among the seven Trek-Segafredo riders, the team is going to ride, of course, for Richie Porte’s success, but if there is an opportunity to show the rainbow jersey, why not?
The two decisive stages of the race will be the 3rd and the 6th one. The race – as it already happened last year – ends on the top of the Willunga Hill. Richie Porte conquered the ascent six times in a row and he is convinced to do the same this year too. If something should happen with Porte, Trek-Segafredo has a second option: Kenny Elissonde had some really impressive move last year. He could repeat it this January.
Also, Mitchelton-Scott has more opportunities. Two-times winner and defending champion Daryl Impey and Simon Yates. Ineos has a former champion in its line-up, Rohan Dennis (2015), but they have also Pavel Sivakov and Dylan van Baarle, riders more likely to fight for the General Classification. It’s an easier case when it comes to the favourites of the teams AG2R and Jumbo-Visma: Romain Bardet and George Bennett will be among the best GC-riders for sure. And, of course, don’t forget Jay Mccarthy (Bora-hansgrohe), who has already delivered some good results in recent years.
All stages:
Startlist:
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