Bobridge: Cadel Evans was all class on the Corkscrew Rd climb in the 2014 Santos Tour Down Under

FROM Mount Torrens onwards on Thursday it was absolutely full gas, writes Jack Bobridge.

Jack Bobridge, left, alongside current leader Cadel Evans during Stage 3 of the 2014 Santos Tour Down Under. Picture: Sarah R...

FROM Mount Torrens onwards on Thursday it was absolutely full gas.

Everyone was pushing and shoving because there were 20 teams and they all wanted to do the same thing - get to the corner to start the Corkscrew Rd climb first.

We knew we had to be in a good position at least from Birdwood or Gumeracha onwards and down through the Gorge.

We rode a good position, I think I spent a little too much energy in the first section of it which cost me a bit and I was still in the bunch at the start of the Corkscrew but I'd done a fair bit of work going in there, so I was spent. I rode up tempo at my own pace and rolled into the finish so to save the legs for the next few days.

But I was happy to be able to keep our team leader Robert Gesink out of trouble and he is getting better every day. He finished the stage in 10th and is now fifth overall so we're happy with that.

Cadel Evans showed everyone his class.

He was going well at nationals and he's obviously done the work so he has just put his hand up for overall on Willunga too so it will be interesting to see all of them battle it out.

We've got to put Robert in the best position we can and Robert on his day has proven to be a world class hill climber, so he could go with Evans on a climb like Willunga over that distance for sure.

We'll see a bunch sprint in Victor Harbor on Friday.

There could be some strong winds over the top of the Myponga Dam and if there is, we'll see some echelons (splits) but looking at the weather forecast it should be okay.

Good luck to everyone riding the Bupa Challenge Tour on Friday.

My only advice is to stay in control, ride steady and, if it's hot, drink plenty of water.

Jack Bobridge rides for Belkin Pro Cycling Team.