Tour Down Under 2015: Favourites

Hilly specialist Simons Gerrans was among the pre-race favourites, but a broken collar-bone (after a mountain bike training ride) ended his ambitions to win the title again after victories in 2006, 2012 and 2014.

Richie Porte
However mediocre his 2014 season may have been, the man from Tasmania wants to sing a whole different tune in 2015. Riding for his home audience, Porte is eager to redeem himself. Last year the 5th stage to Willunga Hill was his. This year the hill is on the menu also, again in stage 5.

Porte’s 2015 season started with a bang. The man from Tasmania won the Australian national time trial title, besting Rohan Dennis by 8 seconds.

Cadel Evans
Whilst being on his farewell tour, the old warrior will be eyeing up the overall win in his home race. And no one in the pack would begrudge the victory. Last year he won the (hilly) 3rd stage and finished second overall.

Tom Dumoulin
The 24-year old Dutchman had a fantastic 2014 season and, being a year stronger, he could suprise down under. Last editions he was amongst the best in the Eneco Tour, a race with a route similar to that of the Santos Tour Down Under.