TDU Stage 2:: Geraint Out-climbs and Out Foxes

This is exactly what the Tour Down Under needed - a stage in the middle that throws the race on its head. In previous years the TDU was basically a sprinters race until the overall was decided on Willunga. With the Corkscrew thrown into the mix, it revealed who is on form, and who's out of contention. The two favorites, Gerrans and Gilbert are over two minutes down and with the way Geraint Thomas was climbing today, it looks like he's the man to beat.

Geraint Thomas said after the race, “I’m really happy with that. I’ve worked hard since the Olympics trying to lose the track weight and I’ve got some good kilometres in over the winter. I wanted to start this year strong. I knew I had decent form but you never know how well everyone else is going.”

“I always knew that I’d have decent legs on the climb I just wasn’t sure how I’d go. I got a bit excited and attacked a bit earlier on there. With about 400 metres to go I was starting to tie up but fortunately there was that group behind and we were able to work well together.

“To get the win is a massive bonus for all the hard work over the winter.”

: According to Greg Henderson (Lotto Belisol) they placed the water bottles on the grill so that it helps the Lotto Belisol riders identify their team car in the convoy as all team cars in TdU look the same.

: Andy Schleck (Radioshack Leopard) wearing the jersey of Jens Voigt today.

: The corkscrew belonged to Matty Lloyd, but it wasn’t in the cards today.

: Early breakaway being formed near the town of Flaxley with the peloton in the background.

: Breakaway of four riders through Harhndorf. In the front are Calvin Watson (UniSA - Australia), Will Clarke (Argos - Shimano) and in the rear are Christopher Juul Jensen (Saxo - Tinkoff) and Guillaume Bonnafond (AG2R)

: The remaining trio of USPS team on Corkscrew Road with the mysterious motor-man.

: The Hampton Cycles boys from Melbourne. It’s always a smashfest riding with these guys at the TDU. Watch out for them.

: Geraint Thomas ascending to the summit of Corkscrew Road and eventually taking stage victory.

: Swiss national champion, Martin Kohler (Team BMC) is being encouraged by a fan on a scooter.

: Philippe Gilbert one of the main contenders of Tour Down Under had been caught up in the crash during the descend from the summit of Corkscrew Road.

: Arnaud Courteille (Team FdJ-Unvex) was badly injured during the crash including a possible broken nose.

: Julian Kearn (Ag2r La Mondiale) on far right was treated at the finish line for cuts and abrasions.

Click here for full results and stage 2 race report.

[rrsumm raceid=905]

dan01294

awesome photos Wade….
http://twitter.com/ankush83 Ankush Agarwal

fantastic stage victory for G. Remember Matty said he would like to gain few more kilos this season, he sure has gained them.
- jules
  
  he walked past me a few weeks ago and he looked pretty cut, mind you he still would after putting a few kg on
Tom Moloney

GC 10 George who????
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  There was a mix up in the database. It should be George Bennett (NZ)
Tom Moloney

Stage 10
Notso Swift

Great effort by George in 10th - may want to change that
Notso Swift

What was the story with the Crash? Didn’t even get a mention on Gem but was on CyclingNews, obviously towards the front with the names effected - anyone see it?
Conconi - The Original Master

What’s the deal with nearly everyone wearing a “Jens” jersey today? I’ve now seen 3 riders, plus Jens [I assume Jens is wearing his own]. Guessing it’s due to the last minute printing up of knicks. They could only get Jens’ done??
- wjfkollig
  
  Two possible reasons:
  
  - Andy grown wider had to use the Jens stuff
  - Team manager wants Andy to get tougher, becoming a Jens!
  - Dave
    
    Well that tactic seemed to have worked, he did spend a fair amount of time on the front of the peleton setting the pace!
- wjfkollig
  
  Two possible reasons:
  
  - Andy grown wider had to use the Jens stuff
  - Team manager wants Andy to get tougher, becoming a Jens!
Conconi - The Original Master

What’s the deal with nearly everyone wearing a “Jens” jersey today? I’ve now seen 3 riders, plus Jens [I assume Jens is wearing his own]. Guessing it’s due to the last minute printing up of knicks. They could only get Jens’ done??
Scott Barrow

Great Photos as usual.

Could be wrong / out of context, but a ham and cheese white bread sandwich for Matt Goss?
High performance nutrition?
roger van den bogaert

thank god for wade im stuck here in melb great pics and great reading channel nine could learn alote from you give the coverage back to sbs then i dont need to stay up till 11 pm to wait for highlights of our national race keep up the awsome work look forward to tomorrows posts
- anonymous
  
  its on live on gem for 2.5 hours every day
  - Backspace
    
    Not to mention live streaming as well - http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/tdu2013/
    - Rocket Surgeon
      
      I’m at work during the day, can’t watch it live. Highlights at at a reasonable hour would be awesome. Clearly Channel nine feel they’ll get more viewers for repeats of stupid American sitcoms. Give it back to SBS if you don’t think it will rate!
- Mountaingoat
  
  Great pics and a great days racing. Great to see the Hampton Cycles boys enjoying themselves. Chanel 9 is dropping the ball though with the night time highlights, always late due to running repeats of old shows!
Ivan Von Dork

Fantastic photography. Some really rich rootin shootin there.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=552410532 Ben Pilot

amazing shot of the dust cloud!!! jeez…. not to mention the cop bike shunting on the bomb down well after the race…. nearly taking cyclists out in the process….
CB

Two things i’d like to say. The photography on this site of the sport of cycling is second to none. Also, Geraint Thomas will be the next Briton to win the Tour, after Froome that is.
Pete

Love the dedication from the guy chasing Thomas up corkscrew in the photo above. He even bothered to strap a gopro to his head whilst chasing them!
http://twitter.com/BPriestie Brad Priest

Just incredible photos. Thanks Veeral, Wade, et al.
http://twitter.com/BPriestie Brad Priest

Just incredible photos. Thanks Veeral, Wade, et al.
Kyle

Brilliant coverage and photographs! I always look forward to checking out the site when there is a big race on.

As a side note, the new Sky team kit is very cool indeed. I especially like the union jack on the sleeve, it really sets it off.
- Gilly
  
  Kyle, The Union Jack on the sleeve is only for former British Road Race champions. Like the green and gold hoops of former Aussie champs, rainbow hoops of World champs etc. But does look good though.
  Cheers
diamondjim

Ouch - a broken nose for a Frenchman can be a big injury
BJ

The dude on the scooter is Scott McPhee - World and Olympic Champion from the Paralympics #justsaying