Santos Tour Down Under 2014: Stage 4
January 1 - January 26, Unley, AUS, Road - WorldTour
Hello and welcome to Cyclingnews live coverage of the Tour Down Under's Stage 4
Over in Argentina Nairo Quintana picked up his first win of 2014 at the Tour de San Luis, read the race report here
Yesterday Cadel Evans took it to Richie Porte and Simon Gerrans and ended the day with his second Tour Down Under stage win at the race and first day in the ochre jersey in 2014.
Robert Gesink (Belkin) is aiming for the Tour of California this year but has performed well so far down under. Read about his ambitions this week by clicking here
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At San Luis, Garmin held on the overall lead for another day with Phil Gaimon just four seconds ahead of Quintana. You can watch Nate Brown talk about his teammate's race so far by clicking here
To watch the highlights of yesterday's stage you can click here
Don't forget that that you can subscribe to the Cyclingnews video channel by clicking here.
The last time the Tour Down Under visited Victor Harbour it was Andre Greipel who took out the win. Greipel also moved in the overall race lead with bonus seconds in the finishing line
With racing set to get under way in around 20 minutes have a look through our gallery of Jonathan Cantwell's (Drapac) Swift bike. You can read the specifications of his race bike and see images by clicking here
Its time for the daily weather update. Today is the coolest stage of the Tour (about 10 degrees cooler than yesterday) with the temperature hovering at 20-23 degrees as cloud gives way to sunshine for the run through the southern hills and beaches to Victor Harbor. It should also be the stage with the most head wind, strengthening to southwesterly 25-35km/h with stronger gusts.
There is just the one climb today which is located on Reservoir Road near Myponga Dam KOM - about 1.8km in length, from 228 metres altitude to 282 metres altitude (average gradient about 5% with the first 600 metres averaging about 10% with a maximum gradient near 20%).
its under 10 minutes until racing starts today. The neutral zone today is 6km as when the riders turn onto the South East Freeway near Old Toll Gate expect the early attempts of forming a break
This morning saw over 6,000 cyclists head out on the Bupa Challenge Tour from Unley to tackle the roads of today's race
The Stage begins in Unley which is just south of the CBD and then will snake its way down to Victor Harbour for a total distance of 148.5km
Today's race gets under a little later then previous stages this year with riders set to start at 11:30am
Just about 5 minutes till the riders head out. Some last minute joey passing going around first though with plenty of photos being snapped pre-race
The riders have made their way to the startline gantry ready for the race with still several clouds around
There are once again two intermediate sprint points on offer with the first three riders across awarded points and bonus seconds. We saw Simon Gerrans sprint for a one second bonus on Stage 1, if there is a small break will he try again?
The first of the sprint points is Adelaide Rd at Echunga after 35.5km and the second is almost 100km later in Inman Valley Rd, Yankalilla at 116km exactly
The feedzone comes after 79km of racing and is followed by the one climb of the day with KOM points at Reservoir Rd, Myponga at 95.7km
For those out there with keen eyes, Cadel Evans is wearing black knicks today which is a common move by BMC who tend to let their riders when leading GC to change from the usual black and red
Simon Gerrans missed out on his normal morning coffee in the press room which is a bit of a good luck charm. Did Greipel get his coffee's this morning? The German national champion will have targeted today, particularly after missing out twice already
147km remaining from 148km
The break is trying to form and its Calvin Watson (Trek) Evan Huffman (Astana) and Bjorn Thurau (Europcar) who have gone first
Having hosted the finish of Stage 2 Stirling will see the peloton pass through again on the way to Victor Harbour
BMC are in the front here as its Evan Huffman (Astana), Bjorn Thurau (Europcar), Arnaud Courteille (FDJ) and Jack Bobridge (Belkin)
144km remaining from 148km
The pace is in and the break has been caught with BMC and Sky controlling the pace which is rather high
With the high pace the peloton has been broken up into small groups as a break is determined to form and the the riders are deciding who they want to let go
142km remaining from 148km
Europcar look like they really want to get a rider away with Perrig Quemeneur almost with joined Carlos VeronaOPQ at the front while Damien Gaudin (Ag2r) is trying to join them
The peloton is going through Stirling now with the two leaders just 20 second ahead while a group of about 20 off the back trying to catch the main group
137km remaining from 148km
Verona and Gaudin have 15 seconds while GreenEdge jump on the front to reel them in
The chase behind the peloton is at 25 seconds while Verona and Gaudin have 7 seconds over the peloton
135km remaining from 148km
With it all back together here, perhaps we'll see the gc men sprint for the bonus seconds
We're yet to see Drapac or UniSA get a rider clear but perhaps after the intermediate sprint we'll see the break get clear
129km remaining from 148km
The grupetto has been welcomed back by the peloton and Graeme Brown (Belkin) has dropped back to the team car
Attacking at the sprint point was Jan Bakelants (Omega Pharma-Qyick Step), Jack Bobridge (Belkin) and Bradley Linfield (UniSA) who have around 40 seconds
117km remaining from 148km
So after the intermediate sprint
1 - Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge)
2 - Matthew Goss (Orica-GreenEdge)
3 - Nathan Haas (Garmin-Sharp)
115km remaining from 148km
in the group of five are Michael Andersen (Tinkoff-SAxo, Axel Domont (Ag2r) Yukiya Arashiro (Europcar), Cameron Wurf (Cannondale) Wesley Sulzberger (Drapac)
Lieuwe Westra (Astana) is trying to bridge this gap and is 21 seconds of the leading five. The peloton is 50 seconds off the tete de la course
Diego Ulissi (Lampre-Merida):
The whole stage depends on what kind of breakaway goes at the beginning of the race. I’ll keep my eyes wide open, wishing it’ll be a quiet stage because it would be better for me to save energy for tomorrow.
Maxime Bouet (Ag2r-La Mondiale):
I was so disappointed that I crashed yesterday 5km before the Corkscrew climb. After coming fifth in Stage 1, I was hoping for a great GC result. I had been so serious about preparing for this race. I even skipped the Christmas food. Now I wait for Willunga Hill to see where my good form can take me
Before the race Nathan Haas said if bonus seconds were on offer, he'd chase them down. That's just what he did
Nathan Haas (Garmin-Sharp):
I want to hold on to the position I’ve got now (4th overall) and make sure that I’ll go as well tomorrow as I did yesterday. If I see an opportunity to get some time bonus, I’ll take it. If not, I’ll just relax in the bunch and wait for Willunga Hill tomorrow.
110km remaining from 148km
The break has almost 1:00 over the peloton and Westra (Astana) is trying to bridge. In the group of five are Michael Andersen (Tinkoff-Saxo, Axel Domont (Ag2r) Yukiya Arashiro (Europcar), Cameron Wurf (Cannondale) and Wesley Sulzberger (Drapac).
110km remaining from 148km
The break has 2:00 now over the peloton and Westra (Astana) is trying to bridge. In the group of five are Michael Andersen (Tinkoff-Saxo, Axel Domont (Ag2r) Yukiya Arashiro (Europcar), Cameron Wurf (Cannondale) and Wesley Sulzberger (Drapac).
Europcar have been very active in getting riders into the break today with Bjorn Thurau now 40 seconds off the leaders as he tries to join teammate Arashiro
Koen de Kort (Giant-Shimano):
Certainly we want a bunch sprint for Marcel Kittel. We had Simon Geschke up on GC but he lost some time yesterday so our main goal is to get two stage wins, today and on Sunday. All depends on how the start goes today.
it seems race radio are clarifying whether its Westra or Tharau who is the rider making the chase to the main group
André Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) is going to be disadvantaged by the confirmation that teammate Kaisen has abandoned the race
André Greipel (Lotto-Belisol):
A lot of teams are trying to break away because they are out of GC. But we’ll chase them down. I've won in Victor Harbour before. I know the wind can come from different sides. Sprinting is not about Kittel and myself. I trust my team, that’s all.
The fast man with the fast name, Roberto Ferrari (Lampre-Merida), is hoping to take another win for the team after Diego Ulissi won Stage 2
Roberto Ferrari (Lampre-Merida):
I've been told that the Santos Tour Down Under used to be a race for sprinters. I hope today it is, at least. If so, I’ll just follow André Greipel
Cameron Wurf (Cannondale) is the virtual leader on the road currently after making it into the group as BMC control the main bunch
Caleb Ewan (UniSA):
I struggled a bit yesterday. I've been knocked out from the crash the day before. I’m feeling better today. The team will do all they can to get me a good position for the sprint if it comes down to a bunch sprint finish.
Axel Domont (Ag2r) is the virtual leader on the road currently after making it into the group as BMC control the main bunch
The peloton is 4 minutes behind the leaders now
Marcel Kittel (Giant-Shimano):
I am looking forward to today. We hope the sprinters have a chance today. The team is working well and we hope to win.
104km remaining from 148km
Thauru has sat up and rejoined the peloton. The leading five riders have 4:00 now and have not changed since this group formed
Cadel Evans (BMC)
I'm feeling good. It was a solid day and we managed to pull it off. I had to put everything on the rosa in the last 8km. It puts us in a good position going forward. We have a good team to defend.
98km remaining from 148km
The group of five have 4:40 over the main bunch. This is just about the biggest lead an escape has been allowed so far this race
94km remaining from 148km
The race has settled down after the frenetic start which saw Gerrans pick up crucial bonus seconds and then the break formed who are building a lead of almost 5:00 minutes now
Axel Domont (Ag2r) and Cameron Wurf (Cannondale) have attacked the break and have 100m on the other three
92km remaining from 148km
Behind Domont and Wurf are Michael Andersen (Tinkoff-Saxo,Yukiya Arashiro (Europcar) and Wesley Sulzberger (Drapac)
Domont and Wurf have just extended their lead out over 5:00 minutes. The first time a break has been given this much freedom in 2014
As a sign of the winds today,the KOM arch has been taken down so as to not impact on the riders and for the safety of the crowds
BMC are still on the front and the lead is down to 4:35 now. Sulzberger, Andersen and Arahsiro are in the middle
Domont and Wurf are driving this but behind the other 3 riders are sitting up and will soon be swallowed up by the main bunch
Next up for the riders will be the feedzone and plenty of guys will be refueling after that fast start
Domont and Wurf are taking it turns and working well together. BMC and Lotto are at the head of the race and Greipel will be very hungry for the win today
70km remaining from 148km
Not long now till the riders will pass through the feedzone with the leaders time holding a 4:50 minute lead
Once the riders take on their food and liquids the lead should drop down again
68km remaining from 148km
The riders are about 20 minutes away from cresting the sole climb of the day for a handful of KOM points
The KOM jersey awaits Domont given that he should take points on the climb and therefore will wrest the polka dots off Adam Hansen (Lotto)
55km remaining from 148km
We could see some echelons today with the winds picking up on the roads into Victor Harbour
52km remaining from 148km
The climb is a Cat 2 and Domont is now the leader of the KOM classification
Jens Voigt (Trek Factory Racing):
After two or three days in the peloton, I needed to show my face and my team colors. I hate to just fill up space in the peloton. I wanted to attack to show I am still alive. I want to lead by example. I want to teach the young fellas a few things. I want to show the young kids, if you want to take my place, you have to take it.
The peloton has been split over the climb with GreenEdge taking control and trying to get Gerrans the bonus seconds on offer
48km remaining from 148km
Robert Gesink (Belkin):
I like racing here. It's a bit early for usEuropean guys, but the organization is good, good weather, goodracing. It's a great way to start the season. We still have theWillunga stage to come, so I hope to have some possibilities there.Maybe with some luck we can move up on GC.
46km remaining from 148km
The two leaders have just 1:30 minutes now over as several riders were forced to make a quick detour on to the side of the road
Adam Hansen was third over the climb and took out four points so it will be Hansen who keeps his lead in the KOM actually
43km remaining from 148km
KOM standings
1. 32 Adam HANSEN (LTB) 24 pt
2. 75 Axel DOMONT (ALM) 22
3. 184 William CLARKE (DPC) 20
This is going to be the stage now for Greipel who is the fastest man in the first group whilethe second group on the road 45 seconds behind.
Lotto and GreenEdge are driving the front group
Michael Mattews (Orica-GreenEdge) is on the front. We haven't seen Luke Durbridge doing so much work since the opening two days when he was bossing the whole peloton and setting the pace like a seasoned pro
Its 7km until the intermaidte sprint now and with an average speed of 61km in the last 10km, it will be a fast ride to the claim the bonus seconds
Its 7km until the intermaidte sprint now and with an average speed of 64km/h in the last 10km, it will be a fast ride to the claim the bonus seconds
33km remaining from 148km
GreenEdge are driving the front group to get the bonus seconds for Gerrans and stop Evans from getting any extra time
Gerrans and Ulissi grabbed time there as Evans couldn't hold that pace and dropped out of the sprint
Intermediate sprint results
1 Haas (Garmin-Sharp)
2 Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge)
3 Ulissi (Lampre-Merida)
In trying to get over the left side of the road Evans was almost taken out. That could have been his race all over red rover
28km remaining from 148km
After that sprint, the only thing left to contest is the stage win so its no surprise that Lotto are now on the front
Five BMC riders have paced Evans back to the front now and the front group is rather strung out in a long line
26km remaining from 148km
Cannondale are on the front now and are working for Elia Viviani who can match it with the best but its still Greipel's race to lose
The race clock has just clicked over three hours and it won't be too long until the front bunch reaches Victor Harbour
21km remaining from 148km
Jonathan Cantwell (Drapac) has his team placing him at the front and the Pro-Conti outfit would be confident he can deliver today
20km remaining from 148km
So its just under 20km left to race now and Lotto are back on the front with a Garmin-Sharp rider adding some colour to the pace
13km remaining from 148km
The wind is blowing and Drapac are going to try and stop Lotto but Garmin will be hoping that Steele von Hoff can claim the win
Tour boss Prudhomme is in town. Click here to see what he has to say about the race
8km remaining from 148km
The time difference between the two groups is now 7:45 and the organisers won't DSQ half the race so expect that gap to lengthen with the front group set to average 60km/h or so in the final few km
7km remaining from 148km
Lotto, Sky and Drapac are all the front and Garmin are snaking their way up the middle
Andre Greipel wins the race once again in Victor Harbour to take his 15th win at the Tour Down Under
After seeing his main rivals miss the split that was caused on the KOM of the day, Greipel has taken the win by several length and also saw teammate Jurgen Roelandts take out second place. Simon Gerrans had a good day out with his deficit to Evans cut down by his sprinting prowess and ends the day with just 7 seconds separating the pair.
Having seen his major rival, Marcel Kittel miss the split, Greipel was in the box seat to take the win but it wasn't a straight forward sprinters stage as Orica-GreenEdge set up Simon Gerrans to take as many bonus seconds as possible in the intermediate sprint points.
Check back to the Santos Tour Down Under page for a full wrap of the days action.
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