Richie Porte powered his way to win the fifth stage of the Tour Down Under at Willunga Hill yesterday as fellow Australian Simon Gerrans consolidated his hold on first place overall.
With one day left in the season-opening UCI World Tour race, Orica GreenEdge rider Gerrans led Porte (BMC Racing) by nine seconds with Colombia’s Sergio Henao (Sky) a further two seconds back in third.
The fifth stage of the Tour Down Under, with two ascents of Willunga Hill, invariably produces the most exciting racing of the week and generally decides the overall winner.
Photo: AFP
It was no different yesterday as Porte made his move with 1km of the second climb remaining, breaking away from the peloton and holding off a desperate Henao and Canadian Michael Woods (Cannondale) to win in front of thousands of fans.
“The crowd was incredible — it does feel like riding the Tour de France up this hill,” Porte said.
Gerrans arrived 17 seconds behind the winner, but his overnight advantage of 36 seconds over Porte was enough to ensure he takes the ochre leader’s jersey into today’s final stage, a 90km circuit through the streets of Adelaide.
“This is the toughest stage of the race and it’s generally where the GC [general classification] is decided,” Gerrans, who will be aiming for a record fourth Tour Down Under win, said of yesterday’s stage.
“One stage to go and anything can happen, but I tell you what: I’d prefer to go into that last stage in front than behind,” he said.
Porte said his chances of outsprinting Gerrans were remote at best.
“I couldn’t sprint out of sight on a dark night, but I’m happy with how it’s gone — I didn’t target this race,” Porte said. “It’s just nice to get my first win in a BMC jersey.”
Yesterday’s race started in the wine growing town of McLaren Vale and took in three circuits of Aldinga Beach before the ascents of Willunga Hill.
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