“All day there was a high pace and in the end everything came together”, sports director Frans Maassen said. “George was positioned well at the bottom of the climb. Together with Porte, Poels and Woods he reached the top first. It’s a pity a group of sixteen riders was able to close the gap in the descent.”

Bennett was surprised the group came back. “We did everything we could today to make the difference. I was surprised they made it back to us but there’s not much I could do about it. On the bright side, the boys did a great job and we still have a few days left.”

According to Maassen, today’s riding gives confidence for Sunday. “George knows he’s with the best riders of the field. Hopefully we’ll have a super day on Sunday.” Traditionally, the Tour Down Under will be decided on Sunday on Willunga Hill.