ADELAIDE – Tom-Jelte Slagter (Blanco Pro Cycling) clinched the overall victory in the 2013 Santos Tour Down Under on Sunday as André Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) won the final stage.
Slagter stayed out of trouble in the final 90km stage through the streets of Adelaide to win the overall classification in 18 hours, 28 minutes and 32 seconds. Javier Moreno (Movistar) took the runner-up spot at 17 seconds while Geraint Thomas (Sky Pro Cycling) bounced into third overall at 25 seconds.
The 23-year-old Slagter, a former speed skater who took up cycling to stay fit during summer, was almost at a loss to describe his emotions.
“It’s really strange for me, I’d never won a race like this,” he said. “My first win was (on stage three) at Stirling and that I take the jersey now, it’s really amazing.
“I can’t believe it, actually.”
Slagter added that he would have to reassess his goals for the rest of the season after his form during the week.
“The start of the season couldn’t be better, for me and the team also,” he said. “The next goal will be the classics, with La Flèche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Amstel Gold. Those races are completely different (but) I’ve got a bit more confidence now.”
Slagter went into the final day with a 13-second advantage after a brilliant ride to finish second to Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge) in Saturday’s penultimate stage up Old Willunga Hill.
While Slagter was never in any real danger of losing the leader’s jersey, Thomas — who surrendered the jersey to the Blanco rider on Saturday, slipping from first to fifth in the process — was intent on making up lost ground on Sunday. – AFP
