Tour Down Under 2016: Porte victor on Willunga Hill, Gerrans retains lead in stage 5

For the third year in a row Richie Porte manages to win the Queen stage in the Tour Down Under. He attacks at the foot of the closing climb up Willunga Hill and the only riders with a reaction are Sergio Henao and Michael Woods. However, the duo can not bridge the gap and the Tasmanian powers to the win. Leader Simon Gerrans is perfect in damage control and loses 17 seconds, meaning he still enjoys a 9 seconds margin ahead of tomorrow's criterium in Adelaide. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 5th stage Tour Down Under

1. Richie Porte (aus)
2. Sergio Henao (cOl) + 0.06
3. Michael Woods (can) + 0.09
4. Diego Ulissi (ita) + 0.17
5. Rafael Valls (spa) s.t.
6. Ruben Fernandez (spa) s.t.
7. Domenico Pozzovivo (ita) s.t.
8. Simon Gerrans (aus) s.t.
9. Jarlinson Pantano (col) s.t.
10. Patrick Bevin (nzl) s.t.

GC after stage 5
1. Simon Gerrans (aus)
2. Richie Porte (aus) + 0.09
3. Sergio Henao (col) + 0.11
4. Jay McCarthy (aus) + 0.20
5. Michael Woods (can) s.t.
6. Ruben Fernandez (spa) + 0.28
7. Domenico Pozzovivo (ita) s.t.
8. Rafael Valls (spa) + 0.36
9. Steve Morabito (swi) + 0.49
10. Patrick Bevin (nzl) + 0.50

Race report
Early in the race Pim Ligthart, Lars Boom, Nelson Oliverira and Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg break clear. The quartet races to a comfortable 6 minutes gain and are brought back within sight of the closing climb, with 3.8 kilometres left to the line.

The climb up Willunga Hill is 3 kilometres at 7%.

Rohan Dennis and Simon Clarke are first to attack, but they are too eager. Lucas Hamilton takes over with 1.6 kilometres left and George Bennett bridges across. Yet, they are not powerful enough, or so it appears when Richie Porte launches his attack with 1.2 kilometres left. Sergio Henao and Michael Woods almost make it to his wheel, but then the Tasmanian accelerates again and the win is his. Just like last year, just like two years ago… And just like then, the Willunga Hill win is not enough to take the overall.