Tour Down Under 2016: Favourites

For years now, the Santos Tour Down Under has been the first World Tour race in the season. For most Europeans it's the first showdown, while the Australians already are at their best form, competing the nationals only week prior. Take into account the hot temperatures and yes, the winner is likely to be an Aussie. (Slideshow route/profile)

The Santos Tour Down Under is for the hilly specialists. Just take a look at the most recent winners: Rohan Dennis (2015), Simon Gerrans (2014, 2012) and Tom-Jelte Slagter (2013).

Chances are the 2016 winner is from the BMC camp. The brand new leader Richie Porte turned out to be last year's runner-up after failing to put two more seconds into Rohan Dennis at Willunga Hill.

Don't forget about Simon Gerrans' chances either. Due to injury he had to skip edition 2015, but the triple winner (2006 was his year also) is back. Gerrans can rely in a strong sprint that will no doubt bring him bonification seconds, and don't expect him to be dropped all too easily on the uphill sections.

*** Simon Gerrans, Richie Porte
** Rohan Dennis, Diego Ulissi
* Luis León Sanchez, Geraint Thomas