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2016 Jayco Herald Sun tour: Prologue preview

Caleb Ewan is among the favourites to take out Stage 1 of the TDU. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)
Roar Guru
1st February, 2016
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The 2016 Jayco Herald Sun Tour starts with the traditional short prologue test around a tight and twisting course around central Melbourne.

At only 2.1 kilometres in length, the general classification contenders should not be alarmed at losing too much time, but the technical nature of the course will make sure that the riders stay safe for the stages ahead.

Usually in a time trial or prologue the riders have at their disposal proper time trial bikes, but in this case, only normal road bikes are allowed to be used. Not that this should make a difference on such a short and technical course.

After his win on Sunday in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Peter Kennaugh will be looking to once again come up with a good result here, both on the stage, and in a solid general classification result. Though, he may have to settle for riding in support of Chris Froome in the latter stages of the race.

While he is not known as a great time trialist, the short course, Kennaugh’s form and his punchy riding style make him a rider to watch.

New Australian Road Race champion Jack Bobridge will once again be looking to impress this week with his new team Trek. The former national time trial champion will be looking to take early stage honours here.

Caleb Ewan has had a super start to the season, with wins at both Bay Crits and the Santos Tour Down Under, and should be able to dominate the sprint stages here at the Sun Tour. However, with such a short prologue, he is a genuine favourite for this stage, especially since he finished second on the corresponding stage last year.

A special mention must go to Drapac’s Will Clarke, who won the stage here last year. His form is questionable, with his only race day so far this season being the road race at nationals were he like many others failed to finish.

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Other riders to look out for include Ian Stannard and Chris Froome (Sky), Damien Howson and Sam Bewley (Orica-GreenEDGE), Laurent Didier (Trek), Joe Cooper (Avanti) and Travis Meyer (Drapac).

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