The Paracombe climb, with pitches of a little over 15%, made a selection in the peloton as was hoped.  And even if a battle between the top names did not really materialize on this stage of the Tour Down Under, a small group managed to break away 1.2 kilometers from the finish and saw Rohan Dennis (BMC) take an impressive victory at the summit.  The Australian rider also managed to take the overall lead.
 
In this showdown on the roads of Oz, IAM Cycling were able to show their aggressive side, and were in the mix right up to the final moments. 

“For the finish, we said that it was a good opportunity for Jarlinson Pantano,” directeur sportif Kjell Carlström said.  “He was in a very good position at the bottom of the climb due to the excellent work of the team.  Honestly, we are pretty happy with today.  Jarlinson is not necessarily an expert in these sorts of short efforts and still he was able to finish in the top 20.  We are looking forward to Saturday’s stage because the final climb will be longer and much better for him.  We really want to work for him because he’s our best option for the general classification here at the Tour Down Under.”
 
Examining his own efforts, Jarlinson Pantano proved a little more modest. 

“I am obviously very happy with my result today, but I would have liked to do better and get into the top 10.  Of course I also know that an explosive final like this is not really what is best for me.  Even more importantly, I must remember that my good result comes mostly from all the excellent work that the team did for me all day.  However, I know that Saturday I can really play my game because I feel very good and the profile of the finish will be more to my advantage.”