Jake Latham
Stage 1 – Prospect to Lyndoch
Tuesday 19 January, 11am, 130.8km
After a Barossa Valley start/Adelaide finish last year the first stage of 2016 sees a role reversal with the riders making their way from Prospect in the northern suburbs of Adelaide to the historic town of Lyndoch which will host a stage finish for the first time. Today provides a good viewing opportunity for fans with the riders set to pass through the Barossa towns of Cockatoo Valley and Williamstown three times. With the KOM coming just 12.8km into the stage at Lower Hermitage it’s likely to be a bunch sprint, but you never know.
Today will be about finding the real contenders for the GC but will not cement any places yet.
The Australian’s are set to dominate the race for sure, being suited to the climate and terrain. Rohan Dennis (BMC) is looking on form after his pre-season training and being last years defending champion of the race he is looking for a repeat. Jack Bobridge with his new team Trek-Segafredo is also a possible contender after his magnificent national championship victory last weekend. The Orica-GreenEdge team is also looking good, lead by Simon Gerrans with the likes of Caleb Ewan amongst the Austraian squad.
