For Aussies, Simon Gerrans of Orica-GreenEDGE took a highlight win on Australia day up Old Wilunga hill just ahead of Slagter, a stage that has legendary status.

The other highlight of this years tour are the four stage victories of German André Greipel of team Lotto-Belisol. His team in top form for lead-outs, the pacing and finishes were without equal so that most sprint finish contenders were fighting hard just to follow Greipels’ wheel to the finish. Mark Renshaw had a solid chance in the final stage getting some led in the final stretch though was no match for the power of the big German.

Greipel is a crowd favorite and in Australia with this stage victory takes the number of professional stage victories to 100. Another favourite German, 41 year old Jens Voigt of Team Radioshack Trek was a real crowd pleaser taking part in a number of break aways during the tour.

The Tour Down Under organisers announced a turnout of 750,000 people

Photo © Santos Tour Down Under

As the colourful peloton cuts through heat and wind in the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under in South Australia, Mark Gunter is on location to capture the essence of this race. An important first event for Team GreenEDGE, though against international pro teams, Team UniSA is once again showcasing it’s quality as Will Clark takes the second stage in the Tour Down Under.

In early good form Andre Greipel salutes after winning the Down Under Classic.

The great Eddy Merckx is in town this year.

Andre Greipel once again shows hi s strength by winning the downhill sprint into stage 1.

Stage was had temperatures over 40c!

Stage 1 also had a strong head wind making it a slow stage for the most.

The riders race through the Clare Valley on stage 2.

Martin Kohler on his way to enough time bonuses to be in the leaders jersey.

Will Clarke wins a courageous stage.

Martin Kohler is the new leader coming into stage 3.

Author Profile: Australian sports photographer Mark Gunter has won the Cycling Australia Photographer of the Year for four of the past eight years and his photos regularly appear throughout international press. Mark regularly posts photos from the major races he covers online: Mark Gunter Facebook page.

An extensive collection of photographs are also available here: www.markgunter.com.au

“It’s a pleasure to sign the contract for another year with Jens. He has a magnificent important role to play on our team with his unstoppable will power and endurance. He is in many ways a role model for both the young and experienced riders. I believe he will return to the peloton with the strength he had before his crash and we are delighted that he wants to be a part of Team Saxo Bank for another year”, says team owner Bjarne Riis on the contract with Jens Voigt.

“I am honored to be offered a contract for another year and I definitely want to proof that I’m back well and alive to do what I still think I can do. Team Saxo Bank is the Barcelona or Real Madrid of the world of cycling and I don’t want to degrade myself to a lower standard. I’m grateful to know that Bjarne still thinks I’m good enough to compete at this level. Another thing is that I like the riders and the staff I’m working with on the team. Here, I’ve seen the young generation with the Schleck-brothers and Matti Breschel developing into world class riders and I’m looking forward to another year of racing with them and the rest of Team Saxo Bank”, says Jens Voigt on the renewal of his contract.