Santos Tour Down Under recap: Simon Gerrans seals fourth title

The Santos Tour Down Under is one of most closely fought races of the year

The 2016 UCI WorldTour got under way with the Santos Tour Down Under from Tuesday, January 19, to Sunday, January 24.

The race was won for the fourth time by Orica-GreenEdge's Simon Gerrans.

Here is how the action panned out...

THE STAGES

Stage 1: Tuesday, January 19 - Prospect to Lyndoch - 130.8km

Stage winner: Caleb Ewan (Orica-GreenEdge). Race leader: Caleb Ewan (Orica-GreenEdge).

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Caleb Ewan won the opening stage

Stage 2: Wednesday, January 20 - Unley to Stirling - 132km  

Stage winner: Jay McCarthy (Tinkoff). Race leader: Jay McCarthy (Tinkoff).

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Jay McCarthy (right) beat Diego Ulissi (left) in a photo finish on stage two

Stage 3: Thursday, January 21 - Glenelg to Campbelltown - 139km

Stage winner: Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge). Race leader: Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge).

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Simon Gerrans (right) sprinted to victory on stage three

Stage 4: Friday, January 22 - Norwood to Victor Harbor - 138km

Stage winner: Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge). Race leader: Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge).

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Gerrans won for the second stage in succession on stage four

Stage 5: Saturday, January 23 - McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill - 151.5km

Stage winner: Richie Porte (BMC Racing). Race leader: Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge).

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Richie Porte won on Willunga Hill

Stage 6: Sunday, January 24 - Adelaide to Adelaide - 90km

Stage winner: Caleb Ewan (Orica-GreenEdge). Race leader: Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge).

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Ewan sprinted to his second win of the race on stage six

KEY STAGE

Richie Porte attacks on stage five of the 2015 Santos Tour Down Under

Stage five. The summit finish on Willunga Hill should create the biggest gaps in the general classification and could prove decisive.

BRIT WATCH

Adam Blythe (Tinkoff), Pete Kennaugh (Team Sky), Luke Rowe (Team Sky), Ian Stannard (Team Sky), Ben Swift (Team Sky), Geraint Thomas (Team Sky).

THE JERSEYS

- Ochre: General classification.

- Red: Sprints classification.

- White and blue polka dots: King of the mountains.

- Green: Best young rider.

TIME BONUSES

- 10, 6 and 4 bonus seconds will be awarded to the first three finishers on each stage.

- 3, 2 and 1 second will be awarded to the first three riders over the line at intermediate sprints.

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Rohan Dennis won last year's edition and is back to defend his title

2015: Rohan Dennis (Aus).

2014: Simon Gerrans (Aus).

2013: Tom-Jelte Slagter (Ned).

2012: Simon Gerrans (Aus).

2011: Cameron Meyer (Aus).

2010: Andre Greipel (Ger).

2009: Allan Davis (Aus)

2008: Andre Greipel (Ger).

2007: Martin Elmiger (Swi).

2006: Simon Gerrans (Aus).