Michael Matthews moves up in overall standings after first stage of Tour Down Under- "I think I can call it a successful day, because the goal was to get as many bonuses as possible"

Michael Matthews narrowly missed out on winning the first stage of the Tour Down Under, with Phil Bauhaus edging him out for victory in the final sprint.

The extreme heat in Australia can be challenging for European riders, however today's weather was relatively mild in comparison. “I wouldn't have minded a tougher stage, but the peloton wanted to cruise. The weather didn't make it too hard either, it wasn't as hot as it normally is. The guys who came over from Europe also had good legs,” said Matthews after the race.

The Australian rider moved up in the overall standings and is now in second place, just behind Alberto Bettiol. “That is why I think I can call it a successful day. The guys on the team did a great job, because the goal was to get as many bonuses as possible. I now have eight, so I can be satisfied with that. All the guys did a perfect job during the ride, then Campbell Stewart did a perfect lead-out for me in the closing stages,” said Matthews.

The day was a success for him, even though he didn't win, he was able to ride in front of his loved ones."Maybe I should be disappointed because I was so close to it, but I knew it would be difficult against some fast guys. So I call it a good day, also because my parents were here with friends to encourage me and my girlfriend flew over from Europe for the same reason. I am a satisfied man,” concluded Matthews.