BROWN SPRINTS TO PODIUM FINISH AT TOUR DOWN UNDER STAGE 4

22nd January 2010 - filed under Teamsriders

Clement named Most Aggressive as Rabobank riders animate windy day of racing in Australia

Home favourite Graeme Brown made a strong bid for the win in Stage 4 of the Santos Tour Down Under Friday, attacking first in the final sprint and landing on the podium in third place. The Rabobank rider now sits fifth overall with two days to go in the six-day opening race of the 2010 UCI ProTour.

After a tough, hilly day on Thursday, riders tackled a windy 149.5 kilometre route from Norwood to Goolwa. Reigning Dutch Time Trial Champion Stef Clement put Rabobank in a breakaway early, joining a group of seven on his Giant TCR Advanced SL. The break escaped on the approach to the first King of the Mountain spot.

Later, as the break began to falter in the heavy cross- and headwinds, Clement went it alone, riding off the front to earn the Most Aggressive Rider prize for the day. Clement was eventually caught by the sprinters, and German Andre Greipel was able to edge out Brown and his fellow Aussie Robbie McEwen at the finish.

Saturday’s Stage 5 includes the decisive Old Wilunga Hill, where the overall Tour Down Under winner often emerges.


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