Killer climb could decide Gerrans' Tour Down Under bid

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2006

ADELAIDE, Australia (AFP) — Australia's Simon Gerrans admitted his bid for victory will hinge on the fourth and penultimate stage of the Tour Down Under after the 154-kilometre (96-mile) third stage in which he retained his slim lead.

Spaniard Carlos Barredo took a gutsy stage win after attacking his leading group with around 15km to go, coming over the finish line with over a minute to spare to hand the Liberty team their second stage victory in as many days.

Gerrans still leads defending champion Luis Leon Sanchez, of Liberty Seguros, by seven seconds in the general classification, with Australian sprinter Robbie McEwen in third at 18. A handful of other potential winners sit not far back.

The 25-year-old Gerrans enjoyed another relatively comfortable day...