Tour Down Under: Stage 1 preview
Four-time Tour Down Under stage winner Baden Cooke says...
"This stage will be the first real action of the race. I've started some stages up One Tree Hill before if the break hasn't already gone, than it could become quite hectic going up Humbug Scrub. At about kilometre 38 you could see some European guys in trouble there if the race hasn't split up, it's really tough up through there and for some of those guys it will be rude shock.
"If you get a lot of people feeling frisky at the beginning it could all split apart, but the chances are it will come back for a sprint. That first 40km is going to feature some lung busting action for some guys. It depends on what sprinters come to the race, if guys like Marcel Kittel come or Andre Greipel it won't be so simple for Peter Sagan to win but it will depend on the heat. If it's hot with no wind it could be a go slow, but if it's a bit cooler and there is a side wind or something, the break's going to go very fast."
-
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
