The only European rider to win the overall in the last five editions was Tom-Jelte Slagter (2013). The Tour Down Under is a race for the hilly specialists. Just take a look at the record holder. Simon Gerrans is a four time winner, pocketing the GC in 2006, 2012, 2014 and 2016. The route is tailor made for the type of rider he is, yet it’s unlikely he will win in 2018 as title defender Richie Porte is his leader since Gerrans moved to BMC.
Chances are the 2018 winner is from the BMC camp. Richie Porte (2017), Rohan Dennis (2015) and Simon Gerrans (see above) took last four editions and they all wear the same kit this year.
Richie Porte is the king of Willunga Hill in last four editions. Last year, the Tasmanian put 20 seconds or more into his opponents on the 3 kilometres climb at 7%.
Favourites Tour Down Under 2018
*** Richie Porte, Rohan Dennis
** Jay McCarthy, Marc Soler, Diego Ulissi, Pierre Latour, Rui Costa, Nathan Haas, Tom-Jelte Slagter
* Simon Gerrans, Peter Sagan, Robert Gesink, Ion Izagirre, George Bennett, Domenico Pozzovivo
Tour Down Under 2018: Route maps, height profiles, and more
Click on the images to zoom
All stages
Route and profile 1st stage
Route and profile 2nd stage
Route and profile 3rd stage
Route and profile 4th stage
Route and profile 5th stage
Route and profile local circuit 6th stage
Port Adelaide and Adelaide at Google maps
** George Bennett ?
As a result of the surgery, Bennett will be taking it slow to start the new year.
He’ll be riding at the New Zealand nationals early next month before heading to Australia for the Tour Down Under, in a support role.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11965361
Thanks for your input!
graag gedaan !