Mike Turtur predicts Aussies will claim glory in Tour Down Under

TOUR Down Under race director Mike Turtur has predicted this year’s race will be another Australian celebration.

19.1.2014 - Tour Down Under Colour - Cadel Evans. Pic Simon Cross

TOUR Down Under race director Mike Turtur predicts this year’s race will be another Australian celebration.

Turtur has put the spotlight on Cadel Evans, Richie Porte and Michael Rogers as leading candidates to add their name to the honour roll when the 17th version of the biggest cycling race in the Southern Hemisphere is decided on January 25.

“It is going to be a really interesting open race,’’ said Turtur after Lotto-Soudal and Ettix-Quick Step flew into Adelaide yesterday. “Cadel, Rickie Porte and Mike Rogers ... the Australian emphasis on this race will be big even though Simon Gerrans is out.

“The guys I just mentioned are all quality. Every team in the world would give their right arm to have them in their team because they are such high quality athletes.

“So to have them here — they are all keen to win — is going to make for an interesting race.’’

Turtur said his office had discussed contingency plans should changes to the race route be necessary because of the bushfires. Stages 1 and 3 will visit the area hit by the fires, but Turtur said there would be no decisions until more information was obtained from emergencies services.

“We have to wait and see but in the office there has been some discussion and we have some ideas in place if needed. But we are not going to make a call until we get a full briefing and direction we have to change,’’ he said.

Originally published as Mike Turtur predicts Aussies will claim glory in Tour Down Under