19 January 2023

Tour Down Under, stage 2: raceFrom the curbs, the first high percentages, our sport director Yvon Caër looks back at the second stage of the Tour Down Under between Brighton and Victor Harbor. recap

Echelons, the first high gradients, our sport director Yvon Caër looks back on the second stage of the Tour Down Under between Brighton and Victor Harbor.

Photo: Getty Images

Yvon Caër, sport director

“At kilometre 49, a echelon formed and Elie was in it, well protected and led by his team-mates. The echelon is taken back, and fortunately, I would say, because Elie has indeed punctured. On the final, Hugo is in the group of 50 at the foot of the climb but another rider hits him from behind, his derailleur goes into crash mode and he has to change bike. With the breaks, the gaps, he can’t come back. Elie belongs to this group. Tomorrow’s stage is more hilly, there will be gaps. We are hopeful that Elie will be able to make a difference with some of the riders who are close because the gaps are held. This day was really exposed to the wind and it was this weather factor that made the selection”.