“Danny was part of a strong breakaway, but four teams controlled the gap”, sports director Frans Maassen said. “When the riders started to climb the Willunga Hill for the last time, George and the other rider lost each other. He had to chase and as a result, he probably wasted a lot of energy”, he explains.

“It’s a shame, because the guys are feeling well. It’s not the result we had hoped for, but we can move forward with this, towards the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.”