Defending champion Daryl Impey said he was pleased with the route change the Tour Down Under has undergone ahead of the start of the race next week.
The new format was unveiled in August and one notable change is that the famous Willunga Hill summit finish will now serve as the grand finale of the six-day race.
Defending champion Daryl Impey (pictured) says he likes the route switch the Tour Down Under has undergone ahead of the start of the race next week. Photo: facebook.com/tourdownunder
In previous editions of the Australian WorldTour event, Willunga Hill used to conclude the penultimate stage, with the final day serving as the processional showing.
The final stage last year consisted of a 90km street circuit through Adelaide.
Australian Richie Porte, of Trek-Segafredo, has staked his claim as the master of Willunga Hill, having won the stage for the past five years in a row.
Mitchelton-Scott’s Impey lost out to Porte on that stage last year, but did enough to take the leader’s jersey and subsequently clinch the title on the final day.
Both Impey and Porte were in fact equal on their overall general classification times, but the South African won on countback.
“I like the new route,” Impey said in a team statement.
“I don’t think Willunga on the last day will change much. It makes it more exciting, but for me, like last year, I just need to take time where I can and then hope it’s enough.”
Impey hopes to make history for the team next week by becoming the first rider to win the race twice in a row.
“For me personally, it would be great to win back-to-back. No one has done that.
“Australia has been and always will be important for us. We would definitely like to win the race again and we are arriving to try to do just that.”
Despite just coming out of the off-season, Impey said his preparations had gone according to plan.
“My preparation has been going really well. I have been following a similar plan to last season so hopefully it will pay off again.
“I will take it day by day, see where I am at and see where everyone else is at too.”
Impey will lead the team this time round as opposed to last year.
“The biggest change for me, and for the team, is that without Caleb [Ewan] we don’t have to worry about his lead out, so I can put more energy into my own goals.”
The team identified Porte, as well as punchy riders such as Peter Sagan and Jay McCArthy, as potential threats.
The race this year will also comprise a “warm-up” race in the shape of the People’s Choice Classic two days before the tour begins.
The Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from January 13 to 20.
