ADELAIDE \u2013 Tom-Jelte Slagter (Blanco Pro Cycling) clinched the overall victory in the 2013 Santos Tour Down Under on Sunday as Andr\u00e9 Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) won the final stage.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really strange for me, I\u2019d never won a race like this,\u201d he said. \u201cMy first win was (on stage three) at Stirling and that I take the jersey now, it\u2019s really amazing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t believe it, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n
Slagter added that he would have to reassess his goals for the rest of the season after his form during the week.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe start of the season couldn\u2019t be better, for me and the team also,\u201d he said. \u201cThe next goal will be the classics, with La Fl\u00e8che Wallonne, Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge and Amstel Gold. Those races are completely different (but) I\u2019ve got a bit more confidence now.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s penultimate stage up Old Willunga Hill.<\/p>\n