Diego Ulissi (Lampre-Merida continued his impressive performance in the Tour Down Under when he finished 2nd on the race's queen stage to the top of the Willunga Hill. The Italian rode a patient and smart race and is now focused on keeping his spot on the overall podium in tomorrow's criterium in Adelaide.

When he was asked to describe his goals for the Tour Down Under, Diego Ulissi was very cautious. Despite ending his season in impressive fashion, the Italian classics specialist doubted that his condition would be good enough to fight with the best.

With just one stage to go in the opening WorldTour race of the season, Ulissi has put all doubts to rest. After winning the uphill sprint in Stirling on day 2, he finished 3rd on the big stage that went over the Corkscrew climb. Today he was again one of the strongest riders when he finished 2nd on the race's queen stage that finished on the top of the Willunga Hill.

Like new race leader Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEDGE), Ulissi rode a smart and patient race and didn't respond when Richie Porte (Sky) and Cadel Evans (BMC) attacked. While the former never slowed down, the latter paid for his efforts and was passed by both Ulissi and Gerrans who took back the overall lead.

Ulissi beat Gerrans in the sprint for 2nd to keep his 3rd place on GC and he is now just 5 seconds off the overall lead of Gerrans.

"Today's stage was very intense and all the best riders have played their cards," he said. "I'm just glad that I was still there in the front to fight for a great result. I wanted to race more cautiously so when Evans attacked very early on the Willunga Hill, I didn't want to react immediately. Evans then started to pay for his effort. I was able to take a nice 2nd place behind Porte who was unbeatable."

Ulissi sent thoughts to teammate Rafael Valls Ferri who had appeared to be in splendid condition for the race but crashed out on stage 2.

 
"My teammates have done a great job to allow me to start the climb near the front of the peloton," he added. "I thank them but I regret that I did not have Valls at my side as he would certainly been have a further advantage on the climb."

The final stage is a flat criterium in Adelaide that is expected to suit the sprinters. With bonus seconds up for grabs, Ulissi takes nothing for granted.

"I have not less attention because tomorrow's stage can be dangerous even though it short and has a flat profile as there will be a great battle in the intermediate sprints, " he said.

If it comes down to a sprint, the team will support Roberto Ferrari.. "