Tour Down Under – Stage 1

Me on the other hand, I just had a spectacular day on the bike taking-in sections of the race. This morning I bumped into the guys from SoleDevotion who took me out on some phenomenal roads including the “Corkscrew” and “The Gorge”. The biggest bike race of all during the Tour Down Under is the Punter’s Race. Everything starts out as a civil ride, but inevitably someone gets excited after the PROs go by, begins half-wheeling, and then GAME ON. In my opinion, there’s no better way to experience the Tour Down Under. It’s hard justifying my existence here in the media center, but it’s hard to pass up the free beer and wi-fi.

It’s apparent that Matty Goss is the man to beat this week. It’s no surprise that Greipel is doing very well (in second place today), but I think many have written-off McEwen. He got third place again today and I think he’s in for a great result if the stages keep finishing in bunch kicks. It’s also great to see local boy Mitch Docker only 7 seconds back in GC. Simon Clark, another local Melbournian and one of the most understated riders in the peloton (now with Astana) isn’t too far back at 7 seconds in GC as well. Angel Madrazo is sitting in obscurity comfortably in 87th. He certainly is consistant!

On another note, the best way I’ve found to follow the Tour Down Under if you’re on the move is with their iphone app. It incorporates Google Maps, live updates, images, etc. Search ‘Santos TDU’ in iTunes or the App Store.

Photo courtesy of Veeral Patel. Check out his awesome new O’nev cycling photography website.

Local boy Mitch Docker currently sitting in 4th. Photo courtesy of Veeral Patel

Jack Bobridge and his new Australian National Championship jersey. He’s the only one with Garmin-Transitions distinguishable from Team SKY. Photo courtesy of Veeral Patel