You couldn't have scripted a better outcome for today's 5th stage of the Tour Down Under - if you were an Aussie that is!
We headed up early in the crisp morning air and arrived on top of the hill around 9:30am to find our spot. 25 meter mark of the finish line, and right in front of the big screen. Perfect! It really is a great day on top of the hill. You get to watch the race all day on the big screen and then of course see the riders as they make their way up for the first time and then the final climb to the line. And there is food, coffee, ice-cream, toilets - everything you need to keep the little tackers happy!
And the Queen stage where the riders tackle Old Willunga Hill
including a hill top finish delievered everything and a little bit more. There were break aways, attacks and then just when you thought the break may just hold on the big boys pulled out all stops and the excitement began.
As the day went on the crowd swelled in anticipation for the riders and on the first lap up the hill the atmosphere was electric. But it was the final burst to the finish line that sent the crowd into a frenzy!
Simon Gerrans, as Aussie as you get, jumped from the peloton and stormed towards the line. It was a battle between himself and young dutch superstar (who?) Tom-Jelte Slagter but Gerrans had more fight to get over the line in first place with a tremendous roar from the crowd especially those in Gerry Ryan's & Orica Green-Edge's corporate grandstand overlooking the finish line.
Gerrans winning on Australia day was our version of a French man winning on Bastille Day during the Tour de France. Epic!
And let's not forget Slagter's effort in ripping the Ochre Jersey right of Geraint Thomas' back. Team Sky tried everything to protect the jersey but it was to no avail. This young dutch kid has gone from who? to wow! I look forward to watching him in action over the next few years. I think he's something special.
Again, I don't have any photo's to show just yet. But as soon as I rectify my technical issues I will post them.
Tomorrow is the final stage of this year's TDU. A mere formality for Slagter which will see his Team Blanco simply protect him for the entirety of the race keeping him out of any trouble so he can take the podium. As for the sprint, well that's most likely a formality too. Can anyone beat Greipel? I'm really don't think so! Go Greipel!
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