Leaders separated by seconds at Sun Tour

Simon Gerrans (Jayco Australian National Team)

Simon Gerrans (Jayco Australian National Team) (Image credit: Shane Goss)

Jayco Herald Sun Tour - Post stage quotes

Stage six of the Sun Tour, the 11.3 km individual time trial, has created an exciting situation in the overall standings. The top three riders are now separated by only one second, and the fourth place rider behind only five more. This will make for a very interesting final stage, the Lygon Street Criterium, which is a short 80 minutes plus three laps long. John Trevorrow got some of the riders' reactions to this unusual situation.

Robbie McEwen
"I thought it might come down to this. When all the time gaps were so close and only an 11 km time trial, well I thought it would be close. But maybe not this close. It is going to be an eventful day and it will be all about getting that second back. I knew I wouldn’t be riding for myself, I will be leading Gerro out, so my advice is don't get in my road."

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Dave Sanders
"It’s not too bad. It will be an unbelievable race but we have a good card to play in Robbie."

Simon Gerrans
"I’m pleased with my time trial. Especially considering it’s not my forte. I didn’t think I rode that well, felt a bit all over the shop actually, but I gave it everything and I will again tomorrow. It is just unbelievable that the tour is coming down to this. I’m getting nervous just thinking about it."

"I would prefer to be in Jongeward’s position but I would like to think I’ve got a little more speed than those guys. I’ve got this guy in the team that they say is pretty quick. I guess I’ve just got to hold his wheel."

Chris Jongewaard
"It is a pretty good feeling hey - a pretty good feeling. [I am] pretty worn out it was a tough time trial. It’s going to be a race to the finish and I don’t mind a criterium, so it is going to be a hell of battle."

Ben Day
"That was a tough time trial but I felt good and it’s good to win, but what a race. What great riders that are going for the win and what great champions they’ve got around them."

Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo is a Cyclingnews veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.