With the increasing popularity of the Tour Down Under this year, which further exposed the world to Simon Gerrans along with further exposure for Australian cycling. But this year, as Michael Matthews storms ahead in first place in the Giro d’Italia, Australian cycling is well a truly in front of everyone’s eyes.

After stage 6 of the Giro – The second longest stage at 257km – Matthews still remained at the top of the table and keep the Australian flag flying high.

Photo: www.dailynewsen.com

Cycling always goes in cycles – no pun intended – the French riders have a wave of wins, then the Italians, the Dutch, Americans, Brits, but never the Australians – yet. Could Michael Matthews be the answer to the Australian winning .streak we’re all expecting? Who knows, but I think we’ll soon find out.

A quick run down of stage 6

The route ran from Sassano to Montecassino, and saw Matthews, Tim Wellens, Cadel Evans and Matteo Rabottini battling it out and finishing in that very order. To say Matthews is on form would be an understatement, and the 23 year old Aussie now has a 21 second lead in the General Classification standings, adding 7 seconds to his lead.

While the maglia rosa remains his, the immediate threat is forever imminent. With crashes galore in this race – Dan Martin, for one –  there’s always that fear on the minds of fans and coaches that something clouds go horribly wrong.

Giro d’Italia 2014 General Classification:

1.  Michael Matthews
2.  Cadel Evans +00:21
3.  Rigoberto Uran +01:18
4.  Steve Morabito +01:25
5.  Matteo Rabottini +01:25
6.  Ivan Santaromita +01:47
7.  Fabio Aru +01:51
8.  Tim Wellens +01:52
9.  Ivan Basso +02:06
10.  Nairo Quintana +02:08

Stay tuned for more Giro daily updates and insights here at ProBikeKit UK