Anyway, from there the riders travel straight back east to Toronto, a lovely little village by the Lake Macquarie, and then head along the west side of the Lake over some tough hills another 12 kms to the power station at Eraring. Most years a breakaway wins this stage. The finish comes of the main Lake Road left, turns right and speeds downhill under the main road, then hits a really sharp uphill stretch for about 250 metres, before finishing fast downhill about 150 metres past the crest.
This morning's conditions were good for racing. The weather is uncharacteristically cool for this time of year, only about 19-20 degrees (usually high 20s), and the gales of yesterday have abated. Coming back from Freeman's to Toronto this morning early (17 kms) I rode into a medium south easter. But the road is fast and the wind should not be a problem. It is overcast and rain is threatening but the roads were dry when I was out.
We will see later what transpires!
I have little information as yet. I know that the bunch was together until the 68 kms mark. Dutchman Bob Rasenberg, chasing a record 5th stage win in the Classic's history and Australian Matt White attacked and established a good break.
The break was up to 6 minutes with neither rider threatening the overall GC. However by the end it was down to less than 1 minute
They were together all the way into Eraring and so were away for around 75 kms. The stage came down to a final sprint which Rasenberg easily won from White.
Lillywhite retained the yellow and there were no other changes in the ordering at the top.
More details later.