ADELAIDE, 23 Jan (ABC): Former champion Jay Vine and defending title-holder Jhonatan Narvaez delivered a dominant one-two finish for UAE Team Emirates XRG on Thursday, controlling the second stage of the Tour Down Under near Adelaide.
Vine, the 2023 winner, launched a decisive attack on the final ascent of Corkscrew Hill, with Narvaez the only rider able to stay with him. The pair opened a clear gap on the rest of the field before cruising to the finish in Uraidla, where Vine claimed the stage victory.
Narvaez acknowledged his teammate’s strength by applauding Vine as they crossed the line after the 148.1km stage. Swiss champion Mauro Schmid of Team Jayco AlUla finished third, 58 seconds behind the leading duo.
The result moved Vine into the overall race lead, six seconds ahead of Narvaez, with Schmid a further 1 minute and 5 seconds back in third place.
Vine said winning the stage held special significance after previously wearing the ochre leader’s jersey. He added that the team was now in a strong position, supported by the presence of Narvaez and Adam Yates.
Narvaez praised Vine’s performance, admitting he struggled to match his teammate’s pace on the final climb. He said Vine’s preparation had paid off and that the team was focused on securing overall victory.
The performance underlined UAE Team Emirates XRG’s strength in the UCI World Tour season opener, with three stages still remaining.
The stage marked the first time in the race’s 26-year history that a men’s stage included two ascents of Corkscrew Hill. With 700 metres remaining on the final climb, Vine surged clear, leaving the peloton behind as only Narvaez managed to respond.
Race leader after stage one, Denmark’s Tobias Lund Andresen, was dropped on the final ascent and finished the stage in 82nd position.