Tour Down Under 2017: Favourites
For years now, the Santos Tour Down Under has been the first World Tour race in the season. World Champion Peter Sagan is among the major contenders, yet for most European riders the race is the first showdown, while the Australians should be at their best form with the nationals pnly one week behind them. Check out the favourites to win the 2017 Tour Down Under. (Slideshow route/profile)
The Santos Tour Down Under is for the hilly specialists. Just take a look at the most recent winners: Simon Gerrans (2016, 2014, 2012, 2006), Rohan Dennis (2015), and Tom-Jelte Slagter (2013).
Gerrans is a perfect rider for the Touw Down Under. Same goes for Peter Sagan. They both can rely in a strong sprint that will no doubt bring them time bonuses – and don’t expect them to be dropped all too easily on the uphill sections.
Could be the 2017 winner is from the BMC camp. Richie Porte turned out to be the runner-up in last two editions. On both occasions he took the Queen Stage to Willunga Hill, but with a lead that turned out to be a little too small. Last year Gerrans did win the Tour Down Under 9 seconds ahead of Porte, in 2015 Rohan Dennis was 2 seconds ahead of him.
Esteban Chaves is a new face in the Tour Down Under. The Colombian climber is eyeing up a Giro-win later this season, yet a win in Australia would not hurt his morale. As for Porte, Willunga Hill would be the place to strike.
Favourites Tour Down Under 2017
*** Richie Porte, Simon Gerrans, Rohan Dennis
** Esteban Chaves, Peter Sagan, Geraint Thomas, Robert Gesink, Diego Ulissi
* Tom-Jelte Slagter, Gianluca Brambilla, Wilco Kelderman, Sergio Henao, Jarlinson Pantano
Tour Down Under 2017: Route maps, height profiles, and more
Click on the images to zoom
+ Click for more images (9)
Tour Down Under Route
Tour Down Under Riders
Watch the highlights of recent races here:
Related articles Ewan powers to victory four in final stage, Porte wins overall - Tour Down Under 2017 Porte wins for fourth time on Willunga Hill and cements lead - Tour Down Under 2017 Ewan powers to third victory in Campbelltown, Porte retains lead - Tour Down Under 2017 Ewan bests Sagan on the line in 3rd stage, Porte still leader - Tour Down Under 2017 Stage 2 victory Porte catapults him into ochre jersey - Tour Down Under 2017 Ewan powers to victory and leaders jersey in stage 1 - Tour Down Under 2017 Route stage 1: Unley - Lyndoch - Tour Down Under 2017 Route stage 2: Stirling - Paracombe - Tour Down Under 2017 Route stage 3: Glenelg - Victor Harbor - Tour Down Under 2017 Route stage 4: Norwood - Campbelltown - Tour Down Under 2017 Route stage 5: McLaren Vale – Willunga Hill - Tour Down Under 2017 Route stage 6: Criterium in Adelaide - Tour Down Under 2017 More articles Giro 2025: Live report stage 3
Giro 2025 Route stage 3: Valona – Valona
Giro 2025 Favourites stage 3: Breakaway day
Giro 2025: Withdrawals
Giro 2025: The Route
Giro 2025: Riders
Giro 2025: GC Favourites
Giro 2025 Route stage 4: Alberobello – Lecce
Giro 2025 Favourites stage 4: For fast men #1
Giro 2025 Route stage 5: Ceglie Messapica - Matera
Giro 2025 Favourites stage 5: For fast men #2
Giro 2025 Route stage 6: Potenza - Naples
Giro 2025 Favourites stage 6: Hilly race with flat finale
Giro 2025 Route stage 7: Castel di Sangro - Tagliacozzo
Giro 2025 Favourites stage 7: First mountain top finish
Giro 2025 Route stage 8: Giulianova – Castelraimondo
Giro 2025 Favourites stage 8: Attackers in the Apennines
Giro 2025 Route stage 9: Gubbio - Siena
Giro 2025 Favourites stage 9: Strade Bianche alla Giro
Giro 2025 Favourites stage 10: For pure time trialists
Giro 2025 Route stage 11: Viareggio – Castelnovo ne’ Mont
Giro 2025 Favourites stage 11: Attackers in promising finale
Giro 2025 Route stage 10: Lucca – Pisa
Vuelta Femenina 2025 Route stage 6: Becerril de Campos - Baltanás
Cycling Calendar 2025
Tour de France 2025: The Route
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 1: Lille - Lille
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 2: Lauwin-Planque - Boulogne-sur-Mer
Tour de France 2025 Route stage 3: Valenciennes - Dunkirk