Tour Down Under 2018: Stage 1 preview
January 17, Port Adelaide - Lyndoch, 145km
Mitchelton-Scott DS Matt White says:
"You look at the main characteristics of the stage to the Barossa and it is the heat and the wind which affect the tactics, but it usually ends in a bunch sprint. Last year they had to shorten the stage by a lap because the heat was in the mid 40s. It will be the first showcase for the sprinters on an official road stage.
"I was there in 1999 when the Tour Down Under was in Port Adelaide for the first Tour Down Under. There are a lot of open and exposed areas around Port Adelaide and on the roads toward the Barossa, so it will be interesting to see how the wind is blowing and how stressful a day it will be.
"The only real surprise would come from strong Northerly winds, but I expect the main guys to be there and a sprinter to win the stage. [Caleb] Ewan would definitely be one of the favourites."
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Key Bridge disaster among factors as Maryland Cycling Classic postponed until 2025
Race to return 'with more vigour and momentum' next year -
Why the Giro d'Italia is the Grand Tour where echelons are almost never a factor - Analysis
The lack of windy conditions in Italy means flat stages destined for breaks and bunch sprints -
'I just don't want to have a bad day' – Luke Plapp testing his limits in first Giro d'Italia
Australian champion's role at Jayco-Alula unchanged despite abandon of GC leader Eddie Dunbar -
Tadej Pogačar: I didn't follow Ganna's attack because I was too badly positioned
After three straight days of attacking, Slovenian has first quiet stage in Giro d'Italia lead