By JESSE GRAHAM
HUNDREDS of Yarra Valley residents flocked to the main streets of Healesville and Warburton, and along the highways to see cyclists speed through the area, as the Jayco Herald Sun Tour came to town.
At 10am on Thursday 4 February, people were waiting eagerly at the race-side fences in River Street, Healesville, to watch the action commence, with about 100 riders taking on a 126-kilometre stage.
Tour de France champion Chris Froome was met by a large group of media and fans as he left his trailer, signed his autograph for a lucky fan, hopped on his bike and rode to the starting line.
At 10.30am on the dot, riders shot off from the starting archway, looping back around onto the Maroondah Highway and beginning their long ride through Yarra Glen, Coldstream, Gruyere, Woori Yallock, Launching Place and Warburton, before making their way back to Healesville via Toolangi to finish the day only three hours later.
Olympic gold medallist and Team Sky member, Peter Kannaugh, won the stage at about 1.30pm, in three hours, one minute and 47 seconds, followed shortly by team-mate Froome.
Tomorrow, Friday 5 February, the riders will begin in Yarra Glen at 10.30am, heading through Healesville, Launching Place, Gladysdale and Powelltown, before making their way to Moe in a 144-kilometre stage.
After riding from Traralgon to Inverloch on Saturday, the race finishes with a 121-kilometre circuit around Arthurs Seat and the Mornington Peninsula.
Stage two results:
1. Peter Kannaugh.
2. Chris Froome.
3. Dion Smith.
4. Anthony Giacoppo.
5. Jack Haig.
6. Jack Bobridge.
7. Adam Phelan.
8. Alistair Donohue.
9. Damiano Cunego.
10. Christian Meier.
For more photos, see our picture gallery above.
