24/01/10 - Tour Down Under Sutton Takes Sixth Stage

Team Sky proved dominate in the closing lap of the Tour Down Under’s Adelaide circuit race, landing Chris Sutton his first ProTour stage victory. Sutton’s stage victory bookends a successful debut for the new British outfit, with the outfit reversing its pre-race criterium result to finish with Sutton leading Greg Henderson across the line for a Team Sky one-two.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Sutton. “We spoke about our tactics last night and had a meeting again this morning, it’s all about teamwork. I just went as long as I could, if Hendy could come around, he would.”

“We’re a new team, everyone’s working well together,” said Sutton. “Greg said at the start of the week he thinks we’ve got one of the fastest trains here. I’m still young, I’m 25, I’m here to learn off guys like Greg Henderson and Matthew Hayman.”

Sutton’s family was watching near the finish line as the New South Welshman claimed his victory. Sutton doesn’t think Henderson was holding back to repay Sutton’s favour, after the rider sat up and let Henderson pass him in last Sunday’s criterium.

“I don’t think he would have held back,” said Sutton. “I think Greg got a little bit sandwiched, I’m not sure. I just went as long as I could. It’s teamwork, it’s not just my effort.

“I just went and saw my old man at the top of the hill and my sister said he nearly had a heart attack so I hope he’s okay,” laughed Sutton.

Graeme Brown (Rabobank) secured third place in the sprint from compatriot Robbie McEwen (Team Katusha).