Course:

The Corkscrew climb returns once again to the Tour Down Under in 2016, offering us the first true insight as to those earmarked for general classification contention. Stage 3 is relatively short, only taking 139km to complete in total, but has the rolling terrain to drain the legs steadily throughout. All focus will be upon the pivotal ascent of the Category 1 Corkscrew climb, the 2.5km drag to the summit has an average gradient of 8.8%, but does hit double digits at times. Its summit appears a little under 6km from the finish and it is then a downhill run straight to the line, ensuring a rapid finale to Stage 3 looks certain.

Contenders:

Rohan Dennis evidently considers himself to be in competitive form off the back of yesterday’s showing and has all the requisite skills to attack over the Corkscrew climb and solo to the line. Sky will look to Sergio Henao today, hoping for him to stretch his legs and deal damage to his rivals on the Category 1 ascent; he also possesses a strong sprint when in an elite group. The diminutive Domenico Pozzovivo should have a great chance of competing strongly here, the gradients are suiting and he may discover the freedom required to slip off the front.

Outcome:

1st Domenico Pozzovivo 2nd Rohan Dennis 3rd Sergio Henao