Germany’s Bauhaus wins first TDU stage over Ewan

Germany’s Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious), held off Caleb Ewan, a fast-finishing Australian, to win the first stage in the men’s Tour Down Under in Adelaide.

Bauhaus was left with less than half of a spare wheel as he raced to Tanunda’s finish line. Ewan (Australian National Team), however, came home from the finish line well back in the pack after the stage of 149.9km through South Australia’s Barossa Valley winegrowing region.

Australia’s Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla), came in third place from Alessandro Covi, UAE Team Emirates.

Italy’s Alberto Bettiol, EF Education First, led the TDU overall following his victory in Tuesday’s Prologue around Adelaide’s Streets.

Bauhaus was able to recover from an earlier crash in the opening stage and get into position for the final sprint down Tanunda’s main street.

Bauhaus stated that he crashed badly, and it was a huge impact. However, he recovered and the team did an excellent job. We were always ahead in the last lap.”

“In the (leadup Schwalbe Classic), I waited to long so this time, with 300 metres remaining, I just went for It and it was pretty close at end with Caleb but I’m really happy.

“I didn’t want early celebrations. I knew I would win later. It was very nerve-wracking today. Many men went down.”

A series of pile-ups marred the stage and some riders were forced to descend in a scrum in the final furious kilometre.

American Magnus Sheffield (Ineos Grenadiers), went down in the final race and received cuts to his knees. He was able cross the line and retain his third place overall. His team reported that he was being evaluated.

Ewan relished the rough and tumble in the closing stages, tweeting: “Doesn’t get better than a big crash does it?”

Another mass fall took place at 50km, with about a dozen riders falling onto bitumen. Robert Gesink (Jumbo – Visma) from the Netherlands and Patrick Bevin of New Zealand (DSM) couldn’t continue on the stage.

Matthews made his debut in the TDU since 2014. He was a little slower than Bettiol, but was happy with his day’s work.

“I wouldn’t have minded a bit harder stage today. Matthews stated that we won the two intermediate sprints.

“It was a success day to set me up to the overall.

“When you are so close to winning, you will be disappointed.” It was overall a great day.

Matthews is currently second overall, six second behind Bettiol. Sheffield is third overall, eight second behind Bettiol as they head into Thursday’s Brighton To Victor Harbor second stage race, which covers 154.8km.

rsm/ssy