The 35-year-old has dominated the Tour Down Under in the past two years.
Daryl Impey is chasing a third straight victory in Australia’s Tour Down Under from Tuesday, but the South African faces an uphill battle against past winners Richie Porte and Rohan Dennis.
Forecast temperatures for this week’s race are mild and significantly lower than previous years, a relief to organisers, who said they were working to ensure the route was safe after bushfires scorched the Adelaide Hills region last month.
Mitchelton-Scott’s Impey hung on up the torturous Willunga Hill to become the first cyclist to win back-to-back titles in last year’s UCI season-opening World Tour event.
“It’s harder because you have a target on your back, but when your form is good enough, it’s still down to who has the best legs in January,” said Impey before the race.
His chances for triple success hinge on a climb into the small town of Paracombe for the third stage finale, along with the demanding double ascent of Willunga that closes out the race in stage six.
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