The young 21 year old British runner Oscar Onley (DSM Firmenich) was the strongest on the Willunga climb and won the fifth stage of the Tour Down Under, on a day where there was a change of leader, since the Mexican Isaac del Toro (UAE) handed over the orange shirt to Stephen Williamscountryman of the winner.
3.4 km at 7.2 per cent is the main point of the fifth stage between Christies Beach and Willunga Hill, a short day of 129 km fueled by the end of the battle between the favourites.
Oscar Onley dominated the moment of truth, with a sprint that nullified the successful bid of his compatriot Stephen Williams (Israel-Premier Tech) and the Ecuadorian Jhonatan Narváez (Ineos Grenadiers), all with a finish time of 2h.52.23. Unforgettable victory, as Onley debuted his professional record.
Fighting on the ramps of Willunga, the double World Champion, the Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Quick-Step), took fourth place, second in the first trio, same as Australian Simon Yates (Jayco). The Mexican Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates) surrendered 6 seconds, while the first Spaniard was Juanpe López (Lidl Trek), 32 seconds behind.
Williams, a 27-year-old cyclist with 5 victories as a professional, is the new leader with one stage remaining, but by a small margin., suggesting an exciting final assault on Mount Lofty. The Briton had the same time as Onley and 5 seconds behind Narváez and Del Toro. Alaphilippe and Yates, waiting for 13.
This Sunday the sixth and final stage takes place between Unley and Mount Loftywith a route of 128.2 km, a mountain day with 4 climbs, the last of them on the aforementioned mountain that coincides with the finish line after 1.6 km at 6.5 percent.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
