Having been the race director of the Tour Down Under for 17 seasons, since the race began, Mike Turtur knows exactly what kind of rider is capable of winning the race.

With favourite Simon Gerrans out of the picture, Turtur says Richie Porte will be favourite to win, but doesn’t rule out a host of Europeans whose form is unknown as of yet.

"It’s a tough one now that Simon Gerrans is out of the picture, it really does open up opportunities for a lot on individuals and then team strategy changes," Turtur said. "I think for example GreenEdge are going to have to rethink their situation and leading towards someone like Daryl Impey who is quite capable of getting a good result. I think realistically that Richie Porte is in my view, the favourite after what we saw last weekend.”

"Having said that, I know there are a few Europeans that might be sniffing around. I think Ag2r-La Mondiale will be very strong with [Domenico] Pozzovivo and [Blel] Kadri. They could be a surprise package."

In 2013, then-Belkin rider Tom-Jelte Slagter surprised Turtur by emerging from nowhere to win the race. Turtur says he can't see another surprise package winning the race this time around when the field is as good as it is.

"Slagter was one out of the box so I am not expecting it, as I think the more seasoned guys will be pretty solid here," he said. "Ryder Hesjedal, Michael Rogers Luis Leon Sanchez, the former winner, these guys know the race and how it works and know the majority of the climbs, but most of them wouldn't have raced over Torrens Hill road but they will have covered that in training this week.”

"I'd be surprise if a young rider got up and took the overall but stage wins are certainly not out of the question."