Cycling: The first WorldTour race of the 2018 season is history. Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott) secured overall victory and thus the lead in the UCI drivers' standings. Of course, the South African was one of the big winners at the start. Besides him there are a few other winners of the Tour Down Under - but also disappointed losers.
Four winners: Impey, Dlamini, Bernal & Greipel
Who would have expected that Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott) wins the Tour Down Under? At the age of 33, the South African celebrates the greatest success of his career. He earned this overall victory by taking second place three times. On Stage #2 behind teammate Caleb Ewan, Stage #4 behind Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe) and Stage #5 behind Richie Porte (BMC). Only his fellow countryman was almost more diligent on the Tour Down Under Nicholas Dlamini (Dimension Data). Nobody knew the dark-skinned professional before the tour, but now we should remember the name. Dlamini broke away almost every day and thus won the mountains classification. Also a newcomer to the WorldTour Egan Bernal (Sky). The only 21-year-old Colombian showed what he can do with rank #6. He is already regarded as THE upcoming class driver. On the other hand, has been active in the scene for a long time André Greipel (Lotto Soudal). With his two stage victories, he has already achieved successes #17 and #18 here at the Tour Down Under - and that at the age of 35!
🇿🇦 IMPEY WINS THE #TDU (I.e.
What a moment for @darylimpey!! His first GC and he did it Down Under!! 🏆#TDU pic.twitter.com/h8eA0UhQ1F
— Santos Tour Down Under 🐨🚴 (@tourdownunder) 21 January 2018
Two losers: McCarthy & Haas
Unfortunately, where there are winners, there must also be losers somewhere. Unfortunately we meet two very disappointed professionals in the Bora-hansgrohe and Katusha-Alpecin teams. Both teams had a lot planned before the tour - but this only worked to a limited extent. Certainly, Bora-hansgrohe is not dissatisfied thanks to Peter Sagan's stage win, but Homie has made a difference, especially in the overall standings Jay McCarthy expected much more. Up until a kilometer from the top of Willunga Hill it looked like he might even win the Tour Down Under - but then he exploded and fell back to #19 in the standings. The tour was similarly disappointing for his compatriot nathan haas, who was already able to ride at #4 and #5 at the Tour Down Under. Up to Willunga Hill he collapsed completely. Before that he collected Stage #1 and Stage #3 still busy time bonuses. In the end, the few seconds were worth nothing, because Nathan Haas only ranked #55.