Mat Hayman's view
On paper, this looks like a fairly flat stage, and once again the sprinters' teams will want to control the race. The GC teams will be keeping out of trouble and will be waiting for the next few stages. The sprinters' lead-out trains will be putting all their winter-work into practice, and it could be that one of the more well-oiled machines from the previous years come out on top, simply because they're used to working with each other.
The heat, as throughout the race, is going to be a factor. The southern hemisphere riders will be used to it, and they might have spent most of the off-season in those conditions, whereas some of the Europeans – although they might have been in Australia for some time – might never like it or get used to it. At the end of the day, you're either good in the heat or you're not.
-
Surf Coast Classic course changed as Otways fire warnings issued for parts of original route, no alterations 'at this point' to weekend's Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Races
Wednesday's women's and Thursday's men's 1.Pro race now both scheduled to start and finish in Torquay -
'It was my own fault' - Thibau Nys expresses frustration and disappointment after a tactical mistake costs him a podium spot at cyclo-cross World Cup in Hoogerheide
'The disappointment is great, there's not much more to say' says Belgian Champion after finishing fourth behind Apecin-Premier Tech podium sweep -
Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana: Dylan Groenewegen makes flying start for new team Unibet Rose Rockets with victory in first race
Echelons form on tough, windy day of racing in Spain, with Dutchman beating Paul Magnier from lead group -
'I didn't feel so good during the race, so it was a big surprise' – Rising Czech CX star Kristyna Zemanová lands 'dream' result with second at Hoogerheide World Cup
23-year-old says 'Anything is possible' ahead of elite World Championships debut next week
