“See you at the carpark climb?” That was the question asked by many after Richie Porte burst through the massive crowds on Willunga Hill to win stage 5 of the Tour Down Under. A first for Adelaide, the VTWO/CyclingTips Carpark Climb roared to life on Saturday night as thousands flocked to the multi-story carpark for several hours of entertainment.

Starting on the street in the middle of Rundle Place and ascending to the fifth floor some 550 meters later, the head-to-head time trial racing was fast, furious and more than a little loud. Some 120 riders started, a few overcooked the corners, others felt the tarmac after sparking pedals on the ground, and only four walked away with the glory.

In the end, it was former speed-skater Lionel Mawditt that took the win in the men’s road category, with an average speed of 29.2km/h, finishing ahead of Warrack Leach and Michael Howson. In the women’s road category, pro riders Peta Mullens and Tiffany Cromwell were both edged out by Nat Redmond, who averaged an impressive 27.9km/h.

In the men’s fixed-gear category, it was Howie Clarke who churned the pedals to victory at an impressive 28.3km/h average, ahead of Simon Eglinton and Simon Eglinton. In the women’s, it was Gemma Kernich who finished three seconds ahead of Catherine-Seal Yates. Full results can be found here.

Special thanks to à BLOC beer, Bosch eBike Systems, Oakley and Rundle Place for their support in making this event a reality. Judging by the reaction of the crowd, it won’t be the last we see of this event at the Tour Down Under.