Halfway up Willunga Hill I started to question myself why I ride my bike: Dennis

To say I was surprised is an understatement, finishing the Tour Down Under in the top five was really pleasing considering its the first WorldTour race of the year.

South Australian Rohan Dennis from Team Bahrain-Merida won best Australian rider. Picture: Tim de Waele/Getty

I’M REALLY pleased to finish in the top five at the Tour Down Under which I really didn’t think was possible mid-way through yesterday’s stage to Willunga Hill.

I surprised myself really. To be honest about mid-way through the stage I questioned why I ride my bike.

I was a bit sluggish, not feeling great, but maybe I wasn’t switched on and the first time up the climb they went really hard.

Then I thought oh well one last time up the climb I’ll just go all-in, and I didn’t come good, I’ve just learnt how to hurt myself over the years. You’ve just got to put your head down and keep driving towards the finish and the results will take care of themselves.

I’m really happy with the way I finished the week, obviously first WorldTour race of the season, fifth overall and fourth on the queen stage, I’m happy with where I’m at and it’s a good way to start with the new team.

It was no surprise that Richie won the stage - even for the sixth year in a row. Although I did think that Michael Woods and George Bennett would be able to stay with him.

It just shows how difficult he is to follow when he attacks not just once but twice and three times.

I was surprised when I saw them slowly all coming back and we were catching them, then I was surprised to see Richie only just in front of the leaders at the finish - hopefully he’s slowing down. Either that or we’re getting faster.

It was unfortunate for the race leader going in Paddy Bevin, I think he probably would have won the Tour overall, but no one will know for sure, it’s just my opinion.

This is racing and I’m sure he’ll get another opportunity at another race just like I have after some of my disappointments.

From here I go to UAE and then to Tirreno-Adriatico, but first stop is to go to Europe and go home to see my dog.

It will be great to get reunited with him. The last time I got home he wet himself so he was pretty happy to see us. Thankfully it was outside so I think we’ll do the same when we see him again soon.

Originally published as Halfway up Willunga Hill I started to question myself why I ride my bike: Dennis