Stage 6: Adelaide City Council Circuit - 90kms
Race wraps up in city decider
Sunday 25 January
The
final stage of the Tour is back to its traditional format, taking in the sights
of Adelaide's River Torrens, Festival Theatre and North Adelaide
parklands.
Riders will complete 20 laps of 4.5km in what is set to be another fast street circuit. A tricky hairpin turn at the North Terrace end of King William Street may slow the field briefly but the track is very much like a criterium in its capacity for sharp turns at speed.
Looping from War Memorial Drive and along King William Street, riders will ascent Montefiore Hill and pass the statue of Adelaide city planner Colonel William Light for two final King of the Mountain honours.
Traversing North Adelaide's Pennington Terrace and Sir Edwin Smith Ave will provide a magnificent view of both the city and hills for riders and spectators, with the picturesque Torrens providing a tranquil backdrop to the thrill and whir of racing pedals.
While they say the Tour if often won or lost at Willunga, insiders believe
you can never discount the possibility of a second place rider only a few
seconds behind, snatching victory on this last stage.
Last year we saw the Team UniSA's Allan Davis just seconds from the lead, and despite courageous efforts by his UniSA team mates he was pipped at the post by overall Tour winner, Team High Road's Andre Griepel.
With more than a few seconds gap, catching first place will be hard. The fast track and tight turns make it difficult to break away, and teams roll out a skilled tactical race to protect their lead rider.
This is always an exciting stage and this year the close circuit will offer great opportunities for spectators to get an up close view of cycling legend Lance Armstrong as he completes his come back tour.
Exceptional crowds always line the leafy streets and eager to engage in a close finish to mark the end of an exhilarating week.