Tour Down Under 2009 Stage 5. 'Gladiators....mount up!!'

by Flatbagger on Jan 23, 2009 7:29 AM EST

Tdu_medium

No preview needed today. basically they do three laps of the beach and vines (where I am busting to finally get a picture of Lance that I've dreamed about with the beach and Southern Vales in the background)....then a couple of laps of a mean Mo Fo of a hill.

Willunga Hill is steep to start, >10% then the gradient decreases as the road meanders through after the tree line. This is where the race is usually won or lost....just ask my new mate Jorg Ludwig who lost it there in 2001 when he couldn't cling on to Stuey for the climb. This year they go over twice so the race will surely split up into small groups and it's pretty hard to get back once the band's broken especially if it's as windy as it has been.

Anyway....I hope you guys get a good online report from the man from CN because it's going to be great. I'm doing a 25km TT in the morning but will get to the beach, the KOM and the finish for some more piccies.

Ciou for now.

via www.tourdownunder.com.au

Oh! I did bump into CycleGirl at the KOM today...with a tall young blonde guy. Maybe that's where she's been!! I think she's having too much fun.

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Film quote?

Isn’t it Regulators mount up? From the legendary Young Guns movie?

by Lopex on Jan 23, 2009 8:29 AM EST reply actions

also quoted in the old Warren G song

I can’t believe I am admitting to knowing that. ahh

by brandon... on Jan 23, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions

I loved that song

for exactly that reason!

by Lopex on Jan 23, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions

Of course it is...but i couldn't call Lance, George, Stuey et al. regulators now could I?...

I’m glad you got it though! :-)
Who put the TDU logo in….c’mon, who has access to my account, own-up??
I’m picking Lou Diamond Phillips, from Keifer Sutherland, then Emilio Estevez.

errrr....am i supposed to sign this??

by Flatbagger on Jan 23, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

Despite

the hardness of the Willunga, my pick for today is Allan DAvis. If Quickstep could defend him good, he will win.

Lance, OGrady and Rogers will attack for sure!!! I wish i can see that :(…

by semprenaroda on Jan 23, 2009 10:43 AM EST reply actions

Wow, now that's a daring pick for today's win.

by sminer on Jan 23, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

yeah

but you believe or not my instinct was right in the 4 Stages before, I swear. Today, before i go to bed, i will take a chance. :P

by semprenaroda on Jan 23, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions

Early vote for tonight

but I’m really thinking both Stuey and George will be going for it. Add in Rogers and others and this should be exciting as all heck!

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Jan 23, 2009 11:08 AM EST reply actions

CycleGirl is slacking!

But here’s a quick post of hers over at Astana.

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Jan 23, 2009 12:11 PM EST reply actions

She is clearly having a great time.

by ZoeRochelle on Jan 23, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions

sorry all

my computer is playing up with pics sn can’t post.
Also just met George at coffee bar & he is ready for today, Adam said to me yesterday it’s either george or him, i told adam to go for it, sorry Zoerochelle!
Oh best times are being had ;-)

We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950

by CycleGirl on Jan 23, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

Now you're just rubbing it in.

Please send along that huge hug!!!!

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Jan 24, 2009 2:13 AM EST up reply actions

niiiice !

so happy for you cyclegirl that you are having a BLAST !

by peterfish on Jan 24, 2009 2:58 PM EST up reply actions

Old Willunga Hill Climb

from www.cycle2max.com,
" One of the toughest 3km climbs in Adelaide and a regular showdown for the local Tour Down Under this climb starts off steep and doesn’t seem to give any relief. "

Distance: 3.00km Average Gradient: 7.6% Elevation Gain: 227m

by peterfish on Jan 23, 2009 5:07 PM EST reply actions

heh, snapper point

I think I’d have a hard time watching a bike race there ;-)

by Jen See on Jan 23, 2009 5:59 PM EST reply actions

Bring on the race!

I need something to distract me from this infernal heat!

It hasn’t been under 30C/86F inside my flat for the last two days… and it’s creeping up into the mid 30’s/90’s now. Forecast is for 38C/100F. I am sitting here glued to the BOM website waiting of signs of the southerly change to start moving up the coast. At least the humidity is only about 50% now…

I desperately need a distraction… on yer bikes, lads!

by Lou... on Jan 23, 2009 6:21 PM EST reply actions

Here's a distraction:

Willunga Hill ridden on a motorcycle video. Chris Brewer posted it on his Twitter earlier today.

by ZoeRochelle on Jan 23, 2009 6:36 PM EST reply actions

You should try doing it on a Bicycle....

….this is the final 600M of the climb in between the first and second ascent Willunga Hill by the Pro-Tour guys. Not the best quality but it gives you some idea of the crowds

errrr....am i supposed to sign this??

by Flatbagger on Jan 24, 2009 6:07 AM EST up reply actions