Cycling: Four of the six stages of the Tour Down Under 2018 are behind us. Tomorrow is the fifth and decisive section on the program. It goes up Willunga Hill. Can Richie Porte (BMC) win again here? And how is the current overall leader Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe) doing? Richie Porte at least expects the world champion tomorrow.
Willunga Hill stands in the way twice
In the early years of the Tour Down Under, it was a tour for the sprinters. Therefore, in the first editions, this multi-stage race was able to win riders such as André Greipel, Stuart O'Grady and Allan Davis. Since 2003, Old Willunga Hill has to be crossed. First, however, the finish was not at the summit, so the sprinters were able to reconnect. This only changed in 2012. Since then, the overall classification has been a matter for climbers and puncheurs, but nothing for pure sprinters. Especially tricky: The pros have to climb Old Willunga Hill twice. 22,4 kilometers before the finish, the summit is crossed for the first time. Whoever is ahead the second time wins the stage. The mountain is an average of 7,5 percent steep, but not very long. Therefore, in addition to the pure mountain riders, some puncheurs can also fight for victory.
Velomotion prognosis: Richie Porte is unbeatable again
Admittedly, predicting the winner at Willunga Hill doesn't seem like rocket science. Eventually won Richie porte by Team BMC every time for the past four years. As a strong climber, he usually broke away from the competition early on, so that a sprint to win the stage was no longer necessary. 2013 triumphed simon gerrans, who now rides for Team BMC as a helper alongside Richie Porte. Also Rohan Dennis will provide important support services. Again this year we are strongly assuming that Richie Porte will win this stage. The Australian wants to win the king's stage and the overall ranking of the Tour Down Under again. However, he didn't feel particularly comfortable on today's fourth stage, as he admitted in an interview after the race. He also commented on Peter Sagan, to whom he ascribes very good chances.
Richie Porte:
"It's not such a tough mountain. Sagan is in really good shape so he's dangerous too. We'll see what he delivers tomorrow. I didn't feel so good today. I felt empty and a little sick overnight. It was quite a tough day.”
Who could challenge Richie Porte?
Except for Richie Porte, the best climbers in the world are not there. Porte can probably shake off the puncheur. In the fight for the places behind it counts above all Jay McCarthy (Bora-hansgrohe) must be observed. He is the clear captain of the team. With Peter Sagan is not to be expected. In the Bahrain-Merida team you have done it Dominic Pozzo alive and the Izagirre brothers three hot irons in the fire. At UAE Team Emirates you build in person Diego Ulissi and Rui Costa on a double peak. George Bennett (LottoNL-Jumbo) shouldn't be forgotten either. We are particularly excited about the young one Egan Bernal from Team Sky. If the Colombian can ride with Richie Porte here on Willunga Hill, we can see the new rising star making his first big breakthrough. We will also take a very special look at Marc Soler (Movistar). In our category 5 to watch we chose the young Spaniard because he is strong in the high mountains. Tomorrow he will show us whether little Willunga Hill suits him.