Tour Down Under: Stage 5 live updates
Roar Guru By TheSportsFreak, 21 Jan 2012 TheSportsFreak is a Roar Guru
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- Cycling, live blog, Tour Down Under
Welcome along to coverage of Stage 5 of the Tour Down Under. Today is the most crucial day of the TDU of 2012 – it’s the climb up Willunga Hill.
The stage starts off with a short neutral zone before the race officially starts in McLaren Vale. It’s then three laps through McLaren Vale, Willunga, Snapper Point and Aldinga.
Once that’s completed, the riders will then climb once up Old Willunga Hill, before one circuit which takes in McLaren Vale and Willunga before going up Old Willunga Hill again to finish off the stage.
Stage 5 has 2 Jayco Sprints. Both happen at Snapper Point as part of the second and third laps of the course (first at 63.4km, second at 103.4km). There’s also two SKODA King of the Mountain points – both are the Category 1 climbs up Old Willunga Hill (first at 129.1km, second at the finish at 151.5km)
After chasing down a breakaway of three riders, the main challengers yesterday took off at the summit of yesterday’s Category 1 climb at Menglers Hill.
The group of about forty riders then made the mad dash into Tanunda with Spaniard Oscar Freire (Katusha Team) just getting his wheel infront for the stage win, but Martin Kohler took the Ochre jersey.
The big loser of the day was Andre Greipel. As he predicted, he struggled with the Cat. 1 climb and never got back into it, fading some seven and a half minutes behind Kohler. His race for the GC is over.
The good news for Aussie fans is the fantastic performance so far from the UniSA Australia team, headed up by Rohan Dennis who leads the King of the Mountain classification, while Simon Gerrans is just eight seconds off the lead for the newly formed GreenEDGE team.
If you haven’t been across much of the Tour Down Under, today is the day to follow. This will have plenty of drama and plenty of frentic action.
Don’t forget, any questions, thoughts or comments – send them through. We’ll do our best to keep you up to date. We’ll start live blogging on Stage 5 of the Tour Down Under from 1130 AEDST (1100 SA Time)
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3:44pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:44pm | Report comment
Today’s race was a ripper, no doubting that. The beauty of the way it finished, means tomorrow is well and truly live!
Gerrans and Valverde both on the same time, meaning time bonuses will decide the race tomorrow.
GreenEDGE holds the Ochre jersey with Simon Gerrans out front.
Could we see an Australian winner again?
Join us tomorrow from 1330 AEDT (1300 SA Time) for the conclusion to a fascinating SANTOS Tour Down Under around the streets of Adelaide.
3:39pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:39pm | Report comment
Unofficial General Classification – After Stage 5
Simon Gerrans (Aus) (GreenEDGE) 18:49:24
Alejandro Valverde (Esp) (Movistar) +0:00
Tiago Machado (Por) (RadioShack-Nissan) +0:08
Michael Rogers (Aus) (SKY Procycling) +0:14
Rohan Dennis (Aus) (UniSA Australia) +0:14
Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) (SKY Procycling) +0:18
Jan Bakelants (Bel) (RadioShack-Nissan) +0:20
Javier Moreno (Esp) (Movistar) +0:24
Michael Matthews (Aus) (Rabobank) +0:30
Eduard Vorganov (Rus) (Katusha Team) +0:32
3:38pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:38pm | Report comment
Placings – Stage 5
Alejandro Valverde (Esp) (Movistar)
Simon Gerrans (Aus) (GreenEDGE) +0:00
Tiago Machado (Por) (RadioShack-Nissan) +0:02
Michael Rogers (Aus) (SKY Procycling) +0:02
Rohan Dennis (Aus) (UniSA Australia) +0:02
3:37pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:37pm | Report comment
Alejandro Valverde’s first win in 18 months. He’s had a massive cloud over his head in the last few years. Back in 2006, a doctor was involved in a blood doping controversy. Valverde wasn’t initially involved, but had been dragged into it. He was eventually banned for 24 months (back dated to Jan 1 2010). Whether he actually was involved, it’s all speculation really
3:32pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:32pm | Report comment
Alejandro Valverde has only just gotten home by a few inches. It was mighty close.
We’re working on the top five for you
3:30pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:30pm | Report comment
Alejandro Valverde (Esp) (Movistar) will pick up a 10 second advantage. Which would put him ahead of Gerrans. Valverde may just have the lead.
3:29pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:29pm | Report comment
Alejandro Valverde (Esp) (Movistar) wins the race… Simon Gerrans (Aus) (GreenEDGE) back in second
3:29pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:29pm | Report comment
Not far to go now… Simon Gerrans and Michael Rogers pushing
3:27pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:27pm | Report comment
Meanwhile, four riders have broken away to catch up to our leaders
Tiago Machado (Por) (RadioShack-Nissan)
Rohan Dennis (Aus) (UniSA Australia)
Alejandro Valverde (Esp) (Movistar)
Simon Gerrans (Aus) (GreenEDGE)
Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) (SKY Procycling)
Javier Moreno (Esp) (Movistar)
3:24pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:24pm | Report comment
Now Michael Rogers (Aus) (SKY Procycling) goes on the attack off the main chasing group (which still has around 20 riders in it)
3:23pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:23pm | Report comment
Head of the course
Tiago Machado (Por) (RadioShack-Nissan)
Rohan Dennis (Aus) (UniSA Australia)
Chasing pack
Danny Pate (USA) (SKY Procycling)
Angel Madrazo (Esp) (Movistar)
3:22pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:22pm | Report comment
Rohan Dennis now puts on a little break up the front, with Danny Pate left behind. Machado stays with Dennis. Gutierrez now joined by a fellow rider, Angel Madrazo (Esp) (Movistar)
3:21pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:21pm | Report comment
Gutierrez is being left behind now by the other three.
3:19pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:19pm | Report comment
Four have broken away
Tiago Machado (Por) (RadioShack-Nissan)
Rohan Dennis (Aus) (UniSA Australia)
Jose Ivan Gutierrez (Esp) (Movistar)
Danny Pate (USA) (SKY Procycling)
3:18pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:18pm | Report comment
These 20-odd riders have a large lead. They won’t be caught. Who will make the first big move?
3:15pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:15pm | Report comment
Some of the big names in this leading group
Martin Kohler (Sui) (BMC Racing Team)
Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) (SKY Procycling)
Alejandro Valverde (Esp) (Movistar)
Hayden Roulston (NZL) (RadioShack-Nissan)
Linus Gerdemann (Ger) (RadioShack-Nissan)
Jose Ivan Gutierrez (Esp) (Movistar)
David Lopez (Esp) (Movistar)
Jens Voigt (Ger) (RadioShack-Nissan)
Tiago Machado (Por) (RadioShack-Nissan)
Michael Matthews (Aus) (Rabobank)
Bernard Sulzberger (Aus) (UniSA Australia)
Simon Gerrans (Aus) (GreenEDGE)
Eduard Volganov (Rus) (Katusha Team)
Michael Rogers (Aus) (SKY Procycling)
Jose Joaquin Rojas (Esp) (Movistar)
Angel Madrazo (Esp) (Movistar)
Jack Bauer (NZL) (Garmin – Barracuda)
Rohan Dennis (Aus) (UniSA Australia)
3:11pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:11pm | Report comment
10km to go in stage 5
3:10pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:10pm | Report comment
Nathan Haas has now been caught by the chasing group. He was pretty brave, but now gobbled up
3:05pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:05pm | Report comment
Nathan Haas (Aus) (Garmin – Barracuda) yet to be caught yet. Maybe a second wind for Haas? The chasing pack is 22 seconds behind. Boasson Hagen is there. Movistar doing their work now.
3:03pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:03pm | Report comment
Here we go, we have a stretch in the peloton. There’s probably 30 riders involved. Martin Kohler is up there.
3:01pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:01pm | Report comment
Nathan Haas (Aus) (Garmin – Barracuda) has now sat up, waiting for the peloton. He’s had his moment. Now the race for the Ochre jersey begins in earnest!
2:58pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:58pm | Report comment
The peloton is through as well – 1:05 behind Haas, Rohan Dennis looked to get 3rd in the King of the Mountain
2:58pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:58pm | Report comment
Up top of Old Willunga Hill, Nathan Haas (Aus) (Garmin – Barracuda) is first across the line. Thomas de Gendt (Bel) (Vacansoleil-DCM) is second some 35 seconds behind…
2:56pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:56pm | Report comment
The peloton now has under 1km to go until the summit of the first climb up Old Willunga Hill.
2:56pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:56pm | Report comment
Nathan Haas (Aus) (Garmin – Barracuda) thought is looking strong on the climb. Can he keep this up for the last 22.4km?
Andrew Fenn (GBR) (Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team) also picked up by the peloton
2:54pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:54pm | Report comment
Both Takashi Miyazawa (Jpn) (Team Saxo Bank) and Kristof Goddaert (Bel) (Ag2r La Mondiale) have now been caught by the peloton
2:54pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:54pm | Report comment
Rohan Dennis (Aus) (UniSA Australia) also getting to the head of the peloton. Probably aware Thomas de Gendt (Bel) (Vacansoleil-DCM) is up in second and could gain some big points in the King of the Mountain. Stuart O’Grady (Aus) (GreenEDGE) struggling on the climb
2:52pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:52pm | Report comment
Back up the front, Thomas de Gendt (Bel) (Vacansoleil-DCM) has moved into sole second spot. 2km left now for Nathan Haas, who is about 30-45 seconds ahead
2:51pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:51pm | Report comment
Back in the peloton, David Lopez (Esp) (Movistar) trying to get the peloton on the move.
2:50pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:50pm | Report comment
Nathan Haas (Aus) (Garmin – Barracuda) has made a move from the leading six. The winner of the Herald Sun Tour late last year now on the charge up Old Willunga Hill
2:49pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:49pm | Report comment
The peloton is now just 2:20 behind, which is around 1km as the climb begins.
2:48pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:48pm | Report comment
Now the peloton is starting to work hard up the front, as the leaders get the first sight of the climb to come – it’s steep!
Steele Von Hoff (Aus) (UniSA Australia) just having some bike problems before the climb starts
2:46pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:46pm | Report comment
The leading six are now 5km away from the summit of Old Willunga Hill for the first time. It’s easily the hardest climb of the SANTOS Tour Down Under
2:44pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:44pm | Report comment
The riders have finished the final lap. But there’s still two more trips along Main Road in Willunga before they finish the race. Two climbs up Old Willunga Hill to come. The gap is edging back out to four minutes. That’s a bit of a surprise.
2:39pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:39pm | Report comment
The lead now at 3:45. We’ll see the front six hit the top of Old Willunga Hill first you’d suggest, but we’ll start to see the peloton break apart over the next 15km and close in on the leaders.
2:33pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:33pm | Report comment
The winds are getting stronger at Old Willunga Hill. The peloton reserving their energy as we get closer to the first Category 1 climb
2:31pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:31pm | Report comment
The peloton getting to the 112km mark, the gap has steadied at 3:10
2:21pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:21pm | Report comment
Correction to the Jayco Sprint #2 results
Thomas de Gendt (Bel) (Vacansoleil-DCM) 1st
Stuart O’Grady (Aus) (GreenEDGE) 2nd
***Andrew Fenn (GBR) (Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team) 3rd
2:21pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:21pm | Report comment
At the moment, the riders are about 5 minutes ahead of schedule. But there’s still two climbs up Old Willunga Hill to come.
The peloton now well inside three minutes behind the leaders.
Recapping the front six, who’ve been ahead for the last two hours
Thomas de Gendt (Bel) (Vacansoleil-DCM), Stuart O’Grady (Aus) (GreenEDGE), Takashi Miyazawa (Jpn) (Team Saxo Bank), Nathan Haas (Aus) (Garmin – Barracuda), Kristof Goddaert (Bel) (Ag2r La Mondiale) & Andrew Fenn (GBR) (Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team)
2:15pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:15pm | Report comment
The peloton crossing the point for the Jayco Sprint #2. The time gap is 3:15
2:13pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:13pm | Report comment
Here they go through Jayco Sprint #2
Thomas de Gendt (Bel) (Vacansoleil-DCM) 1st
Stuart O’Grady (Aus) (GreenEDGE) 2nd
Nathan Haas (Aus) (Garmin – Barracuda) 3rd
Kristof Goddaert (Bel) (Ag2r La Mondiale) just dropped off a little with jammed gears
2:10pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:10pm | Report comment
The leading six just a couple of kilometres away from the Jayco Sprint #2 at Snapper Point… the peloton closing fast though.
2:05pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:05pm | Report comment
A group of about seven riders have spent the last couple of minutes trying to catch up to the peloton. They’ve done that now.
2:00pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:00pm | Report comment
The way these guys are going, they might even catch up by the time they reach the Jayco Sprint #2 – gap is now 4:20 – with Michael Rogers (Aus) (SKY Procycling) doing some work at the front, along with Rabobank.
1:57pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:57pm | Report comment
Now the peloton’s flying – 4:50 is the gap. The front six will be close to being caught (probably in the next half hour or so).
1:52pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:52pm | Report comment
Our leaders are probably 20-25 minutes away from getting to the second sprint point as Katusha Team now get to the front of the peloton
1:50pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:50pm | Report comment
Lotto-Belisol now out front of the peloton, along with BMC Racing Team as they continue to close this gap
1:44pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:44pm | Report comment
SKY Procycling is now out front of the peloton as it bridges the gap. They are probably hoping to get back to the leaders by the time they reach the end of the third lap…
The leaders only 6:30 ahead now at 77km
1:37pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:37pm | Report comment
The peloton now making a move. 7:30 is the gap between the front six and the peloton, as the leaders are now just a couple of kilometres away from the end of the second lap of this circuit.
1:31pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:31pm | Report comment
68km into the race, we still have the six riders out the front, who lead by 8:10.
Stuart O’Grady (Aus) (GreenEDGE)
Andrew Fenn (GBR) (Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team)
Takashi Miyazawa (Jpn) (Team Saxo Bank)
Nathan Haas (Aus) (Garmin – Barracuda)
Thomas de Gendt (Bel) (Vacansoleil-DCM)
Kristof Goddaert (Bel) (Ag2r La Mondiale)
1:21pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:21pm | Report comment
The peloton passing under the banner for the Jayco Sprint. The gap is now a little higher at 8:10
1:18pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:18pm | Report comment
If you want to be pedantic, Thomas de Gendt is now the virtual race leader as the front six lead by 8:00… but don’t expect that to last
1:13pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:13pm | Report comment
Here come the leaders at Snapper Point for the first sprint…
Jayco Sprint #1 (63.4km)
Kristof Goddaert (Bel) (Ag2r La Mondiale) 1st
Andrew Fenn (GBR) (Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team) 2nd
Stuart O’Grady (Aus) (GreenEDGE) 3rd
1:08pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:08pm | Report comment
4km left for the leaders, which means they are approaching 60km into the race. They’re on The Esplandae in Aldinga Beach. The gap now at 7:40
1:01pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:01pm | Report comment
The peloton is 7:20 behind. Got the feeling the bunch may have been sparked into action. There seems to be a bit more movement at the front. They’re approaching the 50km mark. But the leading six are around 10km from the first sprint point at Snapper Point
12:56pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:56pm | Report comment
The leading six on Aldinga Road as they get a little closer to the Jayco Sprint #1. The lead has pushed out now to over 7:00
12:48pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:48pm | Report comment
The peloton riding through the 40km mark, but they’re 6:30 behind the leading six
12:43pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:43pm | Report comment
Conditions at the moment starting to warm up a little – 24° and the winds still gusting a little from the SE.
None of the riders in the front six are in contention for the leaders jersey, so that’s why the peloton’s hanging back. Many of them will be conserving energy for the climb up Old Willunga Hill
12:36pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:36pm | Report comment
The leading six just making a right turn into Caffrey St and will now power towards the end of the first lap, while the peloton is still some 6:00 back on Tatachilla Road
12:30pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:30pm | Report comment
The riders just starting to make their way back inland as they head to McLaren Vale again to complete the first lap of three. Next time they head to Snapper Point, it will be Jayco Sprint #1 of the stage. The gap is now 5:40 which is a gap around 4km or so.
Leading six
Thomas de Gendt (Bel) (Vacansoleil-DCM)
Stuart O’Grady (Aus) (GreenEDGE)
Takashi Miyazawa (Jpn) (Team Saxo Bank)
Nathan Haas (Aus) (Garmin – Barracuda)
Kristof Goddaert (Bel) (Ag2r La Mondiale)
Andrew Fenn (GBR) (Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team)
12:20pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:20pm | Report comment
The leaders out by 5:20.
12:19pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:19pm | Report comment
Some problems with Will Clarke (Aus) (UniSA Australia). Looked like his front wheel, but he’s caught up with the peloton
12:15pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:15pm | Report comment
Movistar and Saxo Bank doing a fair bit of work out the front of the peloton. But they aren’t really chasing down the leaders. Stuart O’Grady pressing forward with the leading group as they increase their lead rapidly
12:10pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:10pm | Report comment
The lead heads out to 3:45 as the riders approach Snapper Point, which will be the area of the first sprinters point in about 40km time
12:04pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:04pm | Report comment
The peloton cruising early, there’s nothing too pressing for them to attack on just yet. There’s still a good 50km until the first sprint point.
The six out front now lead by 2:45 at 13km
12:01pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:01pm | Report comment
9km in and the lead is around 1:45
Ryder Hesjedal (Can) (Garmin – Barracuda) asking for the race doctor… that doesn’t sound great. Hopefully nothing too serious
11:58am
TheSportsFreak said | 11:58am | Report comment
The leading six now lead by 1:25 after about 6km
11:52am
TheSportsFreak said | 11:52am | Report comment
The chasing group has five in it
They close the gap on Thomas de Gendt, who is happy to use their support I’d say.
So, we now have 6 in the leading group
Thomas de Gendt (Bel) (Vacansoleil-DCM)
Stuart O’Grady (Aus) (GreenEDGE)
Takashi Miyazawa (Jpn) (Team Saxo Bank)
Nathan Haas (Aus) (Garmin – Barracuda)
Kristof Goddaert (Bel) (Ag2r La Mondiale)
Andrew Fenn (GBR) (Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team)
They have a lead of around 45 seconds on the peloton
11:49am
TheSportsFreak said | 11:49am | Report comment
But now the peloton close them up. The peloton strung out a little.
Now another attack from one rider, with five others on the chase. Thomas de Gendt (Bel) (Vacansoleil-DCM) the man making a slight break.
11:47am
TheSportsFreak said | 11:47am | Report comment
An attack made by four riders… one from UniSA Australia, Nathan Haas, Stuart O’Grady and a couple of others.
11:44am
TheSportsFreak said | 11:44am | Report comment
And the race is now underway. Field of 130 riders waiting to see who will make the first move.
11:42am
TheSportsFreak said | 11:42am | Report comment
Nice to hear Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen’s voices. Phil must be a little disorientated though, saying “we’re in West Australia”… well, not quite.
And off we go for Stage 5! A 500m neutral run, then the real thing
11:41am
TheSportsFreak said | 11:41am | Report comment
Many people today believing this will be the day for Alejandro Valverde or Simon Gerrans. It will be entertaining, that’s for sure.
11:34am
TheSportsFreak said | 11:34am | Report comment
Recapping the standings…
General Classifications – Martin Kohler (Sui) (BMC Racing Team) 15:03:34, Michael Matthews (Aus) (Rabobank) +0:02, Oscar Freire (Esp) (Katusha Team) +0:02, Gerald Ciolek (Ger) (Omega Pharma – Quick Step Cycling Team) +0:06, Simon Gerrans (Aus) (GreenEDGE) +0:06
Jayco Sprinters Classifications – Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) (SKY Procycling) 36pts, Andre Greipel (Ger) (Lotto-Belisol) 35pts, Michael Matthews (Aus) (Rabobank) 32pts, Daniele Bennati (Ita) (RadioShack-Nissan) 32pts
SKODA King Of The Mountain Classifications – Rohan Dennis (Aus) (UniSA Australia) 17pts, Thomas de Gendt (Bel) (Vacansoleil-DCM) 12pts, Javier Moreno (Esp) (Movistar) 12pts, Jay McCarthy (Aus) (UniSA Australia) 10pts
11:27am
TheSportsFreak said | 11:27am | Report comment
Hi folks. We’re just about to get going on Stage 5, it kicks off in about 15 minutes.
Weather conditions today expected to be windy again, a bit humid and around 27 degrees. It’s about 23 degrees right now in our starting position of McLaren Vale