Simon Gerrans wins record third Tour Down Under

GETTY

26 January 2014

Australian national champion Simon Gerrans claimed overall victory by just one second at the Tour Down Under, the first World Tour race of the cycling season.

Gerrans, one of the pre-race favourites, claimed a record third overall victory as he held onto his narrow advantage over compatriot Cadel Evans.

Gerrans was jubilant after winning his home race, for Australian outfit Orica-Greenedge, on Australia Day.

He said: “This is an Australian team, on Australia Day, in a World Tour event. What else could I ask for?”

The race was ultimately decided by the time-bonuses Gerrans had collected throughout the six-stage event. He won the first stage to claim the leaders Ochre jersey, before Evans escaped to victory in stage three, stealing the race lead and the jersey.

But when Team Sky’s Richie Porte won the race’s Queen Stage up Old Wullunga Hill, and in the process claimed fourth place in the General Classification, Evans was forced to chase the Tasmanian.

Evans paid for his efforts as Gerrans caught the 2011 Tour de France winner on the line, gaining enough bonus seconds the retake the race lead heading into the final celebratory stage around the city of Adelaide.

Gerrans paid tribute to his Orica-Greenedge teammates and their efforts throughout the race.

He said: “It’s been a hard race for me and my team-mates. I was confident in my team-mates to take me home safely, which they did. Until I crossed the line, I suspected that Diego Ulissi [who finished third, 5 seconds down] would try and do something, but it went all right.”

The final stage was won by German sprinter Andre Greipel, who won a record sixteenth stage at the Adelaide-based event.

Britain’s Geraint Thomas finished eighth in the overall standings.

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