Rainy conditions cost Magnus Sheffield Tour Down Under prologue victory - "You can't do much about the conditions"

Magnus Sheffield had to be content with the runner-up spot in the Tour Down Under prologue, finishing eight seconds behind the victor, Alberto Bettiol.

It was raining when it was his time which made the roads slippery “but you can't do much about the conditions," Sheffield said in the post-race interview. Although none of his teammates was able to place in the top 10, he remains hopeful for the upcoming stages. "We have a lot here, but today's stage win, unfortunately, did not. But the week is still long and we have several cards to play. It promises to be a very exciting week.”

He further added, "Because of the bonification seconds, it will be an exciting Tour Down Under. We definitely have to watch out for riders like Michael Matthews, but also for other sprinters like Caleb Ewan. There are a lot of fast riders who are dangerous, even if there are some tricky arrivals at this Tour. It will be close with all the bonification seconds.”

With three wins under his belt last season and a silver start to this season, it looks like it will be another great year for him. "I'm very happy with this start to the season. I've got a good form going, am happy with how the off-season has gone for me and how I'm riding here now," concluded Sheffield.