posted elsewhere... worth a cut and paste here too.....
Just got home. Interesting race. Not sure how the story unfolded on TV but from what I saw.....
First split was big enough that nobody would chase (20-25 riders?). The first few laps in the pelo were pedestrian. Gap blew out to 7 minutes, back to 5, then back out to 8 over the next three laps. The break soon started to split with attacks, Bobbers and Solzzzzburger(?). Then by the time the word got back to the pelo that the teams were no longer sitting pretty and had to chase/help, they were 10min down, and the field of 130-140 riders went to bits all over the course. The guns took off up the road to get back into the action, those who were spat stayed spat.... and were soon pulled. Things were all 1, 2, 4, small bunches for a few laps. I was walking back off the hill and into town as Bobbers lapped Caleb just before the feedzone. Soon after GreenEdge got themselves organised and chased. Way way way too late. They imploded. Dennis and Meyer took off in pursuit when GE went nowhere. Bobbers had it wrapped up. Meyer took off solo in pursuit without Dennis. Dennis had a mechanical or just cooked himself. Lane was on the scene and stormed to 3rd. GE were... no idea. Never saw them.
The usual non pro hard-men who usually finish within the time cut had no chance today. They were effectively ridden out of the race by the teams early on, and left like lambs to the slaughter when the [censored] went down.
Conditions were very warm. It wasn't as brutal as a few years ago. Slight tailwind up the main climb helped Bobbers' cause. Felt like a nice warm Perth day, where I've seen Bobbers tapping around a few weeks prior to today.
Excellent day out. Let's do it all again in Adelaide!