Most expected the big showdown to come on tomorrow’s stage to Old Willunga Hill, but for some of the riders in the Santos Tour Down Under, today’s stage to Tanunda marked the end of their general classification chances. Surprisingly, one of those to suffer was race leader Andre Greipel, who couldn’t cope when the screws were turned on the category one climb of Menglers Hill.
He ended up losing almost eight minutes while Swiss rider Martin Kohler, second overall heading into the 130 kilometre stage, scooped the leader’s jersey off his shoulders and ended the day two seconds clear of Michael Matthews (Rabobank) and Oscar Freire (Rabobank).
The latter is in what he says is the final pro season of his career, but clearly still has the speed which earned him some of the biggest one day wins in the sport. The three-time world champion blazed home first, beating Gerald Ciolek (Omega Pharma Quick Step), Daniele Bennati (RadioShack Nissan) and 46 others to the line.
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A full race report is available here: