"This stage should follow a similar format to stage 1 and see the sprinters take control of the race and decide the finish," says Mitchelton-Scott head sports director Matt White. "A sprinter should be in the lead after the opening day of racing, so none of the GC teams will need to control the race. We've used terrain like this in the Tour Down Under before, and while the wind and heat could again be factors, this should again end in a bunch sprint. With Andre Greipel not returning to the race this year, it should be a big battle of the big three sprint stars at the race: Peter Sagan, Elia Viviani and Caleb Ewan."
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European Cyclocross Championships: Thibau Nys rockets to elite men's title
Belgian defeats Felipe Orts on the final lap with Eli Iserbyt finishing third -
European Cyclocross Championships: Fem van Empel wins women's elite title in thrilling battle with Ceylin Alvarado
Van Empel out-sprints her compatriot in a dramatic final lap as Brand takes third for a Dutch 1-2-3 -
European Cyclocross Championships: Jente Michels defends under-23 men's title
Filippo Agostinacchio in second and Aubin Sparfel third as Haverdings mechanical denies him podium spot -
Wout van Aert to make Cyclocross season debut after December Visma-Lease a Bike training camp
Belgian recovered from season-ending injury, exact date of racing return unconfirmed
