The penultimate stage at the Tour Down Under saw the peloton take on two ascents of famous Willunga Hill, where the GC riders would do battle once more. Coming into the day Team Picnic PostNL had the goal of protecting GC finisher, and winner on Willunga last year, Oscar Onley, with the hopes of going for the stage win and climbing up in the overall classification.
A strong and committed ride by the whole team saw the two-striped squad take control of the peloton behind a strong breakaway and ensure that they were reeled back in, with the catch being made on the first ascent of Willunga with around 25 kilometres to go. From there a counter attacking move went and the team once more then helped contribute to the pace in the peloton. Making the turn onto the more exposed roads just before the foot of Willunga the bunch split but the team remained calm and Onley could return to the front of the race at the base of the climb. From there, he rode a measured effort and followed in the wheels where he could before going clear alongside Plapp, Narvaez and Romo.
Taking a few pulls on the front to extend the gap to those behind, it would all come down to the final kick to the line where Narvaez had just a bit more speed while Onley battled to a very impressive second place in the sprint. It’s a result that sees him and the team move up to fourth place on GC ahead of tomorrow’s final stage.