Stage 3 Tour Down Under 2013. Slagter!

Who? Yes that was my question when Tom-Jette Slagter crossed the line after a gallant sprint towards the line at today's stage from Mt. Barker to Stirling. Slagter is the dutch rider currently sporting the young rider's jersey for Team Blanco, a name that we are sure to hear more of. He held off a late charge from Australia's Matt Goss, Ocre Jersey and TDU leader Geraint Thomas and World Champ Philippe Gilbert.

I have to say the Stirling stage is one of my favourites. It is such a pretty little town and they put on a fabulous party for the race with lots of food stalls in a picturesque setting. We arrived early around 9am to get the shady spot at the 25m mark and it was well worth the early trek enjoying shade all day long. And with the riders passing by six times it was the perfect spot.


With Sky doing their job to keep Geraint in the leader's jersey there's no doubt it will be on for Saturday's climb up Willunga Hill, add in the fact that an Aussie will be wanting to take the win on Australia Day - that's going to be an exciting and most likely decisive one as usual.

Tomorrow is the Bupa Challenge ride which sees over 6,000 amateur cyclists take the road over various distances to ride the course like the pros. Well, maybe not like the pro's but at least on the same course as the pro's.

We will head out to Tununda to see the finish which will be another change for The Gorilla - Andre Greipel to take another sprint finish.

Until then here are some pics from today's stage...