Mat Hayman's view
This is one of my favourite stages at the Tour Down Under. I'm a real fan of the finishing circuit in Stirling because it's just a really great stage to ride. The uphill finish isn't super hard, but it shows who has the real form. A sprinter with no form isn't going to be able to get up there, but some of the faster finishers with really solid condition from over the winter will be able to manage it.
Michael Matthews has won there, Caleb Ewan has won there. It's super hard but, more importantly, if you misjudge the finish, you're in trouble because there's a slight downhill and then it ramps up again. You have to get that jump right. For the GC guys, you need to be up there, too, because it's such a long and hard drag. There are going to be some gaps on this stage and we'll start to see who can win the GC at this point. Time bonuses on this day could be really crucial for the overall standings come the end of the week.
-
'All my fractures are healing pretty well' - Alexis Magner signs with EF Education-Oatly after devastating crash in July
31-year-old gets extra motivation to recover from collapsed lung, multiple fractures -
Best cycling shorts 2025: Our favorite shorts in every category, for every budget
The best cycling shorts for summer, winter and adventure riding, tested and reviewed -
Juan Ayuso, Julian Alaphilippe and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot lead Spain and France teams for Rwanda World Championships
Monument and Grand Tour stage winners added to start lists for elite races -
'The UCI sets the rules' - Vuelta a España organiser describe protests as 'unacceptable' but insists they could not expel the Israel-Premier Tech team
UCI condemns Spanish government for "exploitation of sport for political purposes"
