Rojas wants a win Down Under

By Greg Johnson in Adelaide, Australia

José Joaquín Rojas of Team Caisse d'Epargne is hopeful of taking a stage win before leaving the Tour Down Under in Australia. He lined up against four Australians in stage four's sprint finish, but couldn't overcome stage winner Allan Davis or Graeme Brown, who won yesterday's stage.

"The Australian sprinters are very strong and of course very motivated for racing at home," Rojas said. "But I am very motivated too and I am getting closer everyday to victory. There are still two stages left to race. ... It will be very important to take advantage of every opportunity."

Tomorrow's Willunga stage will be a difficult one for Rojas to win. In addition to two laps over the treacherous Willunga Hill climb, the Spanish sprinter will need to overcome the ambitious Australians locked in a battle for overall honours. A stage win will mean even more with a boost in the overall classification thanks to the time bonuses offered for the top placings.

"I know my legs are good enough to win a stage," he said. "I hope I will be lucky enough to reach my goal."

Sunday's final stage – the 90-kilometre long Adelaide City Council Circuit race – will be Rojas' best chance at a stage victory. Rojas' Caisse d'Epargne team has been fairly quiet throughout the race, with Luis León Sánchez's presence in yesterday's break the only other noteworthy accomplishment.