The Spin: Jack of all trades

JACK Bobridge says all his focus is on helping Blanco team-mate Tom Slagter snatch the overall win in Stage 5 of the Santos Tour Down Under.

Jack Bobridge

HE'S wearing the king of the mountain's jersey heading into today's Willunga Hill stage but Jack Bobridge says all his focus is on helping Blanco team-mate Tom Slagter snatch the overall win today.

Bobridge leapt from the peloton to take the final KOM points on offer over Humbug Scrub yesterday to retain the jersey going into Stage 5.

"But the main priority is TJ (Slagter), trying to get the ochre jersey is more important that anything else," Bobridge said after the stage.

"I reckon he's up to it so we'll put all our eggs in that basket and I reckon he's good enough to pull off the win."

On your bike, Bernie

WHOOPS, looks like someone forgot to tell Bernard Hinault to bring his bike to Adelaide.

The five-time Tour de France champion held a press conference yesterday morning when he was asked if he still rides his bike.

Using an interpreter, Hinault said he still rode three times a week and clocked up 200-300km around his home in France.

"If I knew there was a cyclo sportif (Bupa Challenge Ride) I would be riding with them this morning," he said yesterday.

Hinault was also asked if he had sampled any South Australian wines since arriving on Wednesday.

"I taste everything," he said with a smile.

Hinault will be a special guest alongside Andy Schleck, Philippe Gilbert and Anna Meares at tonight's TDU legends' night dinner.

Health scare for Haas

NATHAN Haas may have blood tests today to determine whether the illness which forced him to abandon yesterday's stage is viral meningitis.

It is the same virus which ended Garmin-Sharp teammate Rohan Dennis' Tour Down Under before it even began on Sunday.

Garmin-Sharp director Geert Vanbondt said Haas had been battling a sore throat and struggled to breath when he started Stage 4 yesterday and had to withdraw.

TWEET OF THE DAY

"Another day another busted finger, opposite side to other day."

- Bernard Sulzberger (with photo of two dislocated fingers)

WORD ON THE STREET

Hayden Long

From: Perth

Age: 44

Rides: Fondriest

Favourite Rider: Jens Voigt

"I have been peer group pressured into coming this year and I love it. I can't believe I haven't done it earlier."

AUSTRALIA V THE WORLD

(Total wins this week)

0 v 5

Germany x 3 (Greipel)

Great Britain (Thomas)

The Netherlands (Slagter)