What Stuart O'Grady says...
It's often the first time a lot of guys have pinned a number one in the new year – besides the Australians. It's normally a bit nervous as it's the first time the WorldTour peloton get together. Even thought it's not a WorldTour race every team still wants to win. The pace is normally pretty high, a lot of people [watching] and it's pretty exciting. Then it's a super fast and nervous finish.
It doesn't matter what type of race it is, every time guys pin a number on they want to win and get that first notch. It's not a WorldTour race but everyone wants to strike first blood and it's good for the confidence. It's our [Orica GreenEdge's] first chance to get the lead-out going and try and get [Matt Goss] 'Gossy' over the line first.
Image ©: Santos Tour Down Under
-
'There was no longer a place for me' - Bart Wellens leaves cyclo-cross behind to forge role as sports director for Lotto-Intermarché
Belgian marks his final race in Diegem as leader of Charles Liègeois Roastery CX team -
Team EKOÏ - 'Temporary but fully professional' cyclo-cross team gives new life to three riders
Second 'cross team in organisation with Fenix-Deceuninck to run through February -
Gravel superstar Keegan Swenson signs for Specialized Off-Road, taking squad towards super-team status
Former Unbound and three-time Life Time Grand Prix overall winner will line up alongside Sofía Gómez Villafañe and Matt Beers in 2026 and beyond -
'Wout will never be happy if he has to watch every cyclo-cross race on TV' – Van Aert's coach explains why Belgian star needs to compete in winter despite lack of wins
Small chance remains that Van Aert will race upcoming Cyclo-cross World Championships
