Tour Down Under 2020: Stage 2 preview
Map, profile and Mat Hayman's guide

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.
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Tour de France stage 3 Live - Can Alpecin-Deceuninck triple up on another day for the sprinters in Dunkerque?
Jasper Philipsen chases a second stage win on flat 178km day which could be hit by the North Sea wind once again -
Giro d'Italia Women stage 2: Anna Henderson claims maiden WorldTour victory and takes pink jersey on uphill finish to Aprica
Dilyxine Miermont second as duo sprint it out for victory after breakaway, Soraya Paladin third from GC group -
The Tour de France is getting faster, and here's why it won't be slowing down soon
From tech, to nutrition, to a new sense of order in the peloton, we take an extremely deep dive into the curious phenomenon of the Tour de France's escalating speed -
With a massive $163 off these Specialized S-Works cycling shoes have just hit the lowest price I've ever seen in this Prime Day deal
The Specialized S-Works Recon Lace are one of the best gravel shoes I've tested, now with 50% off they are an absolute Prime Day bargain buy