The opening two stages of the Tour Down Under went largely as expected. Andre Greipel won a crash-marred sprint on stage one, while stage two saw a successful breakaway delight the local fans, as UniSA-Australia’s William Clarke came home alone. However, it was BMC’s Martin Kohler, thanks to bonuses gained in breaks on both days, who will defend the leader’s ochre jersey going into tomorrow’s third stage.
Continue reading
The 2012 UCI WorldTour kicks off on Tuesday with the 14th edition of the Tour Down Under, boasting a strong line-up as the professional peloton seeks to shake off the winter rust and prepare for a long season ahead.
Traditionally the Tour Down Under has been a sprinter-friendly race, primarily comprising flat stages with some relatively benign climbs. Continue reading
Many of the riders who rode the 2011 Vuelta a Espana said it was the hardest Grand Tour they had ever tackled. Our initial view of this year’s route, which was unveiled in Pamplona today, suggests that 2012 will be even tougher.
The key features of the 2012 Vuelta route are: