Simon Gerrans says the Herald Sun Tour will likely be won and lost on the climb of Falls Creek.
The Tour gets underway on Wednesday evening with a 2.1km prologue in the heart of Melbourne, starting from Federation Square.
But Australian star Gerrans has identified Thursday’s opening stage proper as the one that could prove crucial.
The roads up Tawonga Gap and Falls Creek will offer the likes of Tour de France champion Chris Froome and Colombian Esteban Chaves the opportunity to really stamp their mark on the race.
And Gerrans, an Orica-Scott team-mate of Chaves, knows it could be a real thriller as the top contenders attempt to put themselves in pole position for an overall victory in the Tour – which finishes on Sunday in Kinglake.
“The battle will be on the Falls Creek stage and it’s going to be crucial there,” said Gerrans. “It’s a world-class field with my team-mate Esteban Chaves and one of the greats in Chris Froome. For me it’s just great to have the opportunity to race on the roads I grew up on in Victoria.”
Froome was in contention for victory in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race on Sunday, but his main focus at this stage of the season is simply building up fitness for bigger goals later in 2017.
“I blew out the cobwebs at Cadel’s race,” Froome said after making his first appearance since riding in the Vuelta a Espana last September.
“I’ve got a while to go until I’m in Tour de France shape but I’m feeling fit. I think I’m where I need to be at this time of year and I’m here to race to the best of my ability.”
For fans not able to watch the action live in Victoria, SBS will be showing early evening highlights of the prologue and each of the first three stages. They will then broadcast live from the final stage on Sunday from 1pm.