Mat Hayman's view
This is more than just a criterium because it's the first real roll-out for a lot of riders on new teams. For many of the Australians, they've already raced at the national championships, but for the rest of the peloton, a lot of riders will have arrived with new squads and new equipment. For everyone involved it's always good to have this little hit-out before the Tour Down Under starts a couple of days later.
This year it's a slightly different circuit with an extra corner thrown in, but it's just such a fast route that the break, which invariably forms, has very little chance of staying away. I tried last year as I was about to retire, but it didn't really happen because it's just so fast along those wide streets.
I was involved with a few wins there, with Team Sky and Mitchelton, and it's a great feeling to win and start the week with that momentum, so teams with sprinters will be treating this as a really competitive outing.
-
'I'm having surgery to stitch the tendon' - Davide Formolo sidelined for six weeks after teacup falls on big toe
'There's nothing you can do about it, life is strange sometimes' says Movistar rider -
Pan-American victory 'made the decision easier' for Andrew Strohmeyer to miss US Cyclocross Nationals and focus on World Cups
Three-time US 'cross titlist targets full season in Europe to land paid contract with a new team and 'spark more interest in cyclocross in the US' -
There have been multiple offers to buy out Oscar Onley's contract, but Picnic PostNL have so far refused
Tour de France revelation expected in Spain on Tuesday for Dutch team's training camp -
Best bike bar bags: Nine of the best options for packing your snacks and layers
Carry more than a saddlebag with these versatile handlebar bags
