January 22, Stage 1: Prospect - Lobethal 135km
Stage 1 profile
What Stuart O'Grady says...
Checker Hill never gets any easier. It's a really steep climb and it's very early in the race. Many people will be trying to conserve energy as it's the first proper climb. A lot of guys haven't raced yet this year so the heart rate will be going and it hurts a lot.
It's quite a lumpy ride out to Lobethal. We've done some reconnaissance and it's a lot harder than what it looks on paper. It could be a real little surprise package that day. The final 10km of the circuit is really, really tough. Especially as it's the first main race of the year a lot of guys won't have much racing under the belt. It could come as a real shock to the system and come out with a surprise result.
There are plenty of opportunities for attacks and I don't think it's going to come down to a big bunch sprint. It's tough enough to split the field. Even the final sprint to the line is a slight drag uphill. For the first race of the year it's going to really hurt.
Profile
Image ©: Santos Tour Down Under
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Baloise Belgium Tour: Filippo Ganna set for path less travelled to Tour de France
Back after Paris-Roubaix, Ineos Grenadiers rider tipped to be top pre-race favourite -
'I wanted to win for him' - Quinn Simmons dedicates Tour de Suisse stage victory to Gino Mäder, two years after Swiss rider's fatal accident in same race
Lidl-Trek racer claims first victory as recrowned US National Champion after long breakaway -
'No bad feeling' towards Uno-X after Tour de France non-selection, says Alexander Kristoff
Norwegian's teammate Frederik Dversnes suspects his upcoming wedding may have played a part in his own non-selection -
As it happened: Lone rider from early breakaway survives ahead of GC group to take Tour de Suisse stage 3
Quinn Simmons wins lengthy 195.6km stage in Heiden after climbing-packed final 20km