What Henk Vogels says...
I think there will be an early break of between three and six riders that will go up the road. The riders seem to treat this as their warm up and there’s no doubt any escapees will be reeled back in. I don’t think anyone has ever won out of a breakaway with the exception of the first year that it was held and I was actually fortunate enough to be a part of that move.
Lotto-Belisol have used this as a bit of a warning to everyone else of what is to come from their man Andre Greipel with exceptional positioning heading into the final corner over recent years but now with the circuit change that familiarity is gone. Regardless, unless you've got your leadout train drilled, this isn’t something you’re going to win.
Stage profile
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Payson McElveen unveils film about 'once-in-a-lifetime' ride, finishing 242 miles of New Zealand trails with 25,000 feet of climbing in 24 hours
US rider says 'it was a surreal feeling' when he finished with 25 minutes to spare -
'I honestly feel there are bigger things to come' - Michael Matthews has renewed enthusiasm for cycling and for life after pulmonary embolism scare
Jayco-AlUla leader on his return to training and his love-hate relationship with Milan-San Remo -
'This is the training race … but it doesn't mean that I'm not going to go all out' – Brodie Chapman chases intensity at Tour of Bright ahead of key January goals in Australia
Australian time trial champion adapts to schedule change with additional race -
'Proud of my progression' – Mountain bike world champion Alan Hatherly prepared for sophomore season of WorldTour road racing
South African racer continues to balance road at Jayco-AlUla with MTB in 2026 keeping an eye on race wins and building for the 2028 Olympic Games
