Rohan Dennis' setback in Tour Down Under: "I'm disappointed I couldn't do anything for the team"

Rohan Dennis, who had previously held the top position in the Tour Down Under, was unable to successfully defend his lead and experienced a significant setback, falling behind by more than 1 minute and 24 seconds in the third stage.

"I'm disappointed I couldn't do anything for the team," he said to Velonews after the race. He encountered a technical issue with his bike which required him to make a replacement, however, the circumstance was not favorable for him."My derailleur stopped working.”

He further added, "The moment of that bike change was probably at the worst possible spot before Checker Hill. I lost a lot of energy then. At the foot of Corkscrew, I, therefore, told them to go for their own chances. I'll look after myself, don't worry about me. I'll crawl up and see if my legs cooperate.”

He found the climb to be more arduous and demanding than he had initially anticipated, causing him to struggle in the ascent "I joined on the steep section and that was the moment they started attacking full throttle. That became too much for me and I never really recovered from that. I had nothing left. It wouldn't have mattered if I was in the second wheel there. I wouldn't have been with those three guys at the finish anyway," concluded Dennis. As of now, Rohan Dennis is ranked in 33rd place in the overall standings.