General classification Tour Down Under 2026 stage 3 - Vine remains in the lead as Old Willunga Hill is cancelled

Stage 3 of the Tour Down Under was raced aggressively at times, but the outlook of the overall classification remained the same. However, UAE Team Emirates - XRG are one significant step closer to the overall win after the cancellation of the ascent to Old Willunga Hill on stage 4.

This does indeed change the outlook of the race significantly, as it would be the only summit finish of the race, and it was alongside the finale into Uraidla, the day where the biggest differences in the overall classification could be made. With the stage now being mostly flat, only the final rolling stage through Stirling can create differences, but bonus seconds and minor splits are the maximum that is expected to be seen out on the road.

This means that Jay Vine's lead of the race is more secure, although of course he is only challenged by his own teammate Jhonatan Narváez. With the duo having around a minute over Mauro Schmid who sits third in the overall classification, they can essentially play out their cards in the way they desire. Whilst Vine's GC win would on paper be virtually guaranteed if this is the ultimate decision, if instead Narváez is given the freedom to sprint on stage 5, then the 6 bonus seconds to Vine could well be closed down - however, there is a big question mark on whether the team would allow for this to happen.

Mauro Schmid, Harry Sweent, Marco Brenner, Andreas Kron, Michael Leonard, Andrea Raccagni, Adam Yates and Anthon Charmig complete the Top10, and most of these names would truly be thrilled by finishing in such a high position - as many of the big favourites have not performed at their expected level, and now also lack the Old Willunga Hill to try and climb up the standings.

The points classification is now a fight between two riders only, with Tobias Lund Andresen carrying 55 points into stage 4 whilst Sam Welsford has 52. The two have two more opportunities to capture points, and it will be interesting to see if tomorrow's stage into Willunga will be the final showdown between the two and if Welsford can make the overtake.

Michael Leonard maintained his lead in the youth classification although he doesn't have a single second over Andrea Raccagni; whilst the KOM jersey is virtually won by Martin Urianstad who was in the breakaway once again today.