Four-time Tour Down Under winner Simon Gerrans is aiming to make history next week at the Australian WorldTour race by becoming the first rider to defend his title. His Orica-Scott director sportif told Cyclingnews that he sees BMC's Richie Porte as the overwhelming favourite but Gerrans believes he and Esteban Chaves will be a formidable dual prong attack.
Having been struck down by illness over the festive period, Gerrans' preparation was hampered for the Australian nationals but he still managed to snare the silver medal behind late attacker Miles Scotson (BMC) last Sunday. Almost a week on, Gerrans is at full health and optimistic for his chances on his 13th appearance.
"I have been coming here for many years and it is always a big goal of mine and obviously, a big objective for my Orica-Scott teammates as well and the feeling is good. I am optimistic for some results," Gerrans said in the traditional pre-race press conference. "I think it will be very hard to top what our team was able to achieve in last years event but we are going to do our best."
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Last year, Caleb Ewan took out two sprint stages while Gerrans claimed two of his own on way to a record fourth overall victory. On paper, the course is arguably the hardest yet in Tour Down Under history and Gerrans is hoping the anticipated hot weather will counterbalance the challenging parcours.
"For me, the hotter the better," said the 36-year-old. "I have had a fair bit of exposure to the hot weather so as uncomfortable as that might be for everyone, it does make the racing that bit tougher so that's what I am aiming for."
Since 2012, Willunga Hill has become the race deciding queen stage of the race but it's the reintroduction of the Paracombe finish, with a harder run in than its 2015 debut, that Gerrans and co are calling 'la etapa reina'.
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