Simon Gerrans wins Stage 5 of the Tour Down Under

SIMON Gerrans has claimed Australia's first stage win of the Tour Down Under in the longest and toughest leg of the race.

Simon Gerrans

SIMON Gerrans has claimed Australia's first stage win of the Tour Down Under in the longest and toughest leg of the race.

Last year's overall winner conquered two climbs up Willunga Hill to take the stage honours in the 151km stage between McLaren and Willunga Hill.

The win is the first for Australia after five days of racing, with tomorrow's criterium the last chance for locals to shine in the annual Tour.

In a stunning finish, Gerrans defeated young Dutch rider Tom Slagter, with the latter tearing the Ochre leader's jersey off the back of Geraint Thomas with his second-place finish.

Spaniard Javier Moreno's third place in the stage has moved him into second place overall.

"It was my last chance,'' said a delighted Gerrans who was second in the stage last year.

"It was an absolutely fantastic stage today, better than the Tour De France.

"Obviously I was pretty disappointed to drop out of contention on Stage 2 two for overall.

"I had one chance to really make up for it and that was today. I'm rapt.

"To win here on Australia Day is like, a fantastic feeling.

"A big thanks to my Orica GreenEDGE teammates.''

Slagter now leads the Tour overall from Moreno by 13 seconds with Belgian Ben Hermans 25 seconds behind the new leader in third place.

"I can only say I am really, really happy I can do it today. It's a big thing for all the team,'' Slagter said.

"All stage I felt good. Actually all week has been going good. I had all the confidence.

"It is great to be on the podium again and with the leader podium is incredible.

"The team showed today they can help me from start to finish so I have only confidence.''  

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