Santos Tour Down Under

The 25th edition of the Tour Down Under – Australia’s oldest World Tour race – got underway Tuesday with a rather short stage, 150.7 kilometers between Prospect and Gumaracha. Despite the presence of some winding roads and a couple of small classified climbs, the sprinters’ teams easily controlled the three-man breakaway which formed soon after the start, managing to put almost six minutes into the peloton.

On the second ascent of the Berry Hill climb (1.5km, 6.7%), the chasers erased a significant chunk of the deficit, which continued to tumble down on the descent to the point the escapees got reeled in with more than 20 kilometers left until the finish.

Inside the last ten kilometers, the lead-out trains moved into position, bringing their leaders to the front while keeping the speed high. In the end, it was Sam Welsford (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) the one who prevailed on the small rise up to the line, a success that brought the Australian the leader’s ochre jersey. Neo-pro Andrea Raccagni, who made his official debut for the team, was Soudal Quick-Step’s top finisher on the inaugural stage of the race, rolling over the line inside the top 20.

Photo credit: ©Wout Beel