Team GreenEdge counting on Simon Gerrans for the Tour Down Under success
With two more stages to go at the Santos Tour Down Under 2012, World Tour debutant, Team GreenEdge, is counting on Simon Gerrans to secure the overall win for the side.
Gerrans started the race slowly, targeting the overall classifications. He finished the 149 kilometre stage 1 of the race at the 35th position and was ranked 39th after the stage 1 general classifications.
The Australian seized the opportunity on the second stage and succeeded in claiming the third position.
William Clarke of UNI SA won the second stage, whereas Michael Matthews claimed the second spot.
Gerrans jumped up the final general classifications with a solid 4th position. He was only 8 seconds behind the stage 2 General Classifications leader, Martin Kohler of Team BMC.
Andre Greipel of Germany bagged his second win at the Santos Tour by claiming the 134.5 kilometre stage 3 of the race.
Team GreenEdge’s cyclist finished the race at the 20th position, helping his way up to the 5th spot at the Stage 3 General Classifications.
Simon continued his pursuit at the Ochre jersey during the 130 kilometre stage, from Norwood to Tanunda and occupied the 17th spot.
The cyclist held his 5th General Classifications spot, cutting down the deficit to only 8 seconds.
The team’s Director, Matt White, briefed after the end of stage 3, "You just have to be present in all the breakaways. But we have riders who can cover that and we have two of the best top 10 climbers here [Gerrans and Meyer], so it's all good".
Matt is looking at the broader picture, as he briefed, "The race isn't finished yet and we're pretty confident we can podium in the tour on the classification. We're very happy. You wouldn't want the ochre jersey this early in the proceedings".
Martin Kohler is leading the overall classifications, while Michael Matthews, Oscar Freire, Gerald Ciolek and Simon Gerrans are holding the second, third, fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
The 31-year-old is a serious contender for the final general classifications and can produce the desired results for the Australian team during the coming stages of the race.
It will be interesting to see if the Gerrans can help Shayne Bannan’s team with a victory at its debut World Tour event.
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