Cycling: The Tour Down Under has been the start of the WorldTour season for years now. There will soon be a drastic change within the tour - at least according to the wishes of race director Mike Turtur. A team time trial is planned for 2020 at the latest. However, there are still a few things that need to be clarified with the UCI.
Exemption required
There is no time trial at the Tour Down Under. The reasons for this are obvious: the teams would have to have their time trial bikes delivered all the way to Australia to compete against the clock. Since most teams are based in Europe, it would be a trip halfway around the world. A cumbersome task, which hardly any team wants to take part in, especially at the beginning of the season.
Nevertheless, race director Mike Turtur does not want to give up the dream of soon holding a time trial at the Tour Down Under. However, Turtur prefers a team time trial as it suits the character of the tour better. He is also aware that he needs a special permit from the UCI so that the pros can compete in the team time trial on their normal road bikes.
A team time trial changes the character
The Tour Down Under has always been one of the most exciting tours on the calendar. It is short and includes both stages for sprinters and sections for the puncheur. The round trip is often decided by just a few seconds. Of course, race director Mike Turtur doesn't want to take the excitement out of the tour with a team time trial.
Mike Turtur:
“You have to be very careful when planning time trials. A few years ago Tony Martin was seen winning the prologue in Beijing and the race was decided. The distance and the discipline are aspects to consider. Remember that some teams are stronger than others. It's a spectacle if done well with the right infrastructure - and that will happen sooner or later."
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