Cycling: Richie Porte (BMC) has won the stage up Willunga Hill for the fifth year in a row. As usual, the Australian attacked at the right time and clinched an unchallenged victory. But this is probably not enough for the overall victory, because Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott) finished just behind him - and is now in first place in the overall standings.
Dlamini again in flight
Today the Tour Down Under 2018 should be decided. On the way from McLaren Vale up to Willunga Hill, a total of 151,5 kilometers had to be completed in much more pleasant temperatures. The Willunga Hill had to be driven on twice. Again as a breakaway in front showed itself Nicholas Dlamini (Dimension Data) in mountain jersey. Several drivers set off with him, including one thomas degendt (Lotto Soudal). There was no excitement in the peloton as the breakaways were well behind in the overall standings. Climbing Willunga Hill for the first time, the lead group flew apart. Dlamini and De Gendt turned out to be the strongest climbers. The Belgian actually wanted to give his South African colleague the full number of points on the mountain, but neither of them knew exactly where the points should be taken. So De Gendt attacked too early and snatched the points away from Dlamini.
Well, that was confusing!! @DeGendtThomas claims the maximum @SubaruAustralia KOM points from KOM leaders @nich_dlamini, but we're not sure either of them realized where the actual marker was 🤔#TDU pic.twitter.com/reNBQiBkKz
— Santos Tour Down Under 🐨🚴 (@tourdownunder) 20 January 2018
Sagan can no longer follow
Even before the start of the final climb, Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) was the last escapee. It was just too windy today for a successful escape. Around 80 riders arrived together at the foot of the mountain. Team UAE drove into the hill at full speed. The first drivers immediately had to let go. As Rohan Dennis (BMC) pushed the pace again, also flew, among other things Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe) out the back.
He's popped!!! 💨💨💨 @petosagan is done!! The pace is too much for the world champion and current race leader!!#TDU pic.twitter.com/KEPz0340Ab
— Santos Tour Down Under 🐨🚴 (@tourdownunder) 20 January 2018
Porte wins again - but Impey grabs Ocker
1,5 kilometers from the finish exploded Richie porte (BMC). He launched an impressive attack that just Jay McCarthy (Bora-hansgrohe) could follow. Directly under the Flamme Rouge he pushed the pace again. Now McCarthy was finished too. Richie Porte clinched his fifth win in a row on Willunga Hill. But it probably won't be enough for the overall victory. Because hardly was Porte at the finish, came Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott) suddenly raced around the corner. The South African lost just a few seconds and now shares first place in the overall standings with Richie Porte. came third Tom Jelte Slagter, the overall winner of 2013. Also strong, like ours Preview of the fifth stage already expected was the new classification hope from Team Sky: Egan Bernal from Colombia finished fifth – we should remember this guy because he just turned 21 seven days ago!
Richie Porte:
"It's unfortunate. But Daryl drives a fantastic tour. I'm happy with the stage win, but I guess I wasn't good enough today."
Daryl Impey:
"I can not believe it. I fought like that. This is fantastic for us as an Australian team.”
🇦🇺 PORTE THE KING OF WILLUNGA AGAIN 🇦🇺
That's five in a row for @richie_porte!! What an effort, but it's not enough for the race lead as @darylimpey crosses in second 😲 Incredible finish!!#TDU pic.twitter.com/0uLlIDU0ee
— Santos Tour Down Under 🐨🚴 (@tourdownunder) 20 January 2018