The Australian time-trial champion rode through the pain, from his crash two days before, to launch an attack with four others. At 80km to go Meyer along with Thomas de Gendt, Matthew Wilson and Rob Rujigh made a bid for freedom. The Australian was the last man standing as his breakaway compatriots began to drop to claim his first professional victory.
Goss Close but no Cigar
Yesterday’s leader Matt Goss did his best to catch up with the Garmin-Cervelo rider, but he could only manage to get within 24 seconds. Meyer’s team were in the driving seat all day, with two riders at the front, they were able to control the peloton to let them stay away. At 20km to go it looked like the main group would catch the leaders, with all the sprinters teams taking turns on the front, but that is when the young Aussie put the power down. The 23-year-old now holds a 10-second lead over Laurens ten Dam; while Goss is now 12 seconds behind the leader.
Meyer’s wasn’t the only attack of the day, as many riders attempted to jump clear of the peloton, once the rolled out of the long 11km neutral zone. It wasn’t until after the first intermediate sprint that the quintet finally made their decisive move.
Cavendish Super Domestique
There are still some riders feeling the effects of the crashes from the past few days including Mark Cavendish. The former Madison World Champion has been limited to domestique duties for the rest of his team. Initially he had to get stitches above the left eye, but they have been replaced by a staple while he still has several scratches and bruises down his side.
Lance Armstrong has continued his distinctly average Tour Down Under, coming home in 85, at 41 seconds own on Meyer. The Texan doesn’t plan to compete outside of America after this early season race. He hasn’t really put any big performances in so far as his teammate and local Robbie McEwen has been flying the flag for RadioShack.
Only two stages remain of the of this year’s tour with tomorrow’s stage taking a 131km journey from McLaren Vale to Willunga with two ascents of Old Willunga Hill. The heat has been playing a factor in the past few days, no surprise in Australia, and tomorrow won’t be any different. The final two stages will most likely be a fight between the Aussies for the final Ochre jersey.
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