Flying Vine storms into race lead at Tour Down Under

UAE Team Emirates took a significant result on stage 3 of the Tour Down Under in Australia with Jay Vine taking the 3rd place and control of the race lead on the hilly run-in from Norwood to Campbelltown (116.8km).

The 27 year old local favourite was in touching distance of the leaders jersey held by Rohan Dennis (Jumbo-Visma) coming into the stage at just +3 seconds. With this in mind Vine kicked-out for home inside the final 10km on the ascent of Corkscrew Hill with only Simon Yates (Jayco-Alula) and Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) able to follow the flying Australian.

This winning trio would work together well on the descent into Campbelltown, with Vine taking the biggest turns spurred on by the possibility of moving into the coveted Ochre leaders jersey.
Pello Bilbao came through for the stage victory in the sprint ahead of Yates with Vine rounding out the podium.

The Emirati squad holds a commanding position in the race heading into stage 4 from Port Willunga to Willunga Township (133.2km) with the lead in the teams classification and Vine also leading the KOM standings.

 
Vine: “I love it when a plan comes together. I couldn’t have done that without my teammates who set it up for me , all I had to do was to go on the last hill so all credit to them, they did an amazing job. There was a big group behind us and we were aware they could come back so we put our heads down and really pushed on at the front. It’s pretty special to be here wearing the leaders jersey and hopefully take it home on Sunday. There are a few hard days ahead so I’m not counting my chickens before they hatch.”

Santos Tour Down Under stage 3 results

1.Pello Bilbao (Bahrain-Victorious) 2:48:02
2.Simon Yates (Jayco-Alula) s.t
3. Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) s.t

 
General Classification after stage 3

1.Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) 10:32:50
2.Pello Bilbao (Bahrain-Victorious) +15’’
3.Simon Yates (Jayco-Alula) +16’’