Haas impresses with second at Willunga

After being dropped on the Willunga climb, Australian Nathan Haas has fought back and will finish third at the Santos Tour Down Under.

Nathan Haas during a quiet moment on Stage 5 of the Santos Tour Down Under. Source: Getty

Winston Churchill, who knew a bit about overcoming adversity, once said, "if you're going through hell, keep going".

Nathan Haas's Dad sent him the quote earlier this week and, on Saturday, the Australian cyclist personified the sentiment.

Haas was dropped on the decisive Willunga climb at the Tour Down Under, but he fought back to finish second behind Richie Porte.

It moved the Dimension Data rider up to third overall with one stage left - the first time Haas has finished on a WorldTour podium.

"Sometimes, you don't get burnt because the fire inside is bigger," Haas said. "Today, I can't believe what I just did. For me, it is a win."

Haas is a rider of undoubted ability, he won the 2011 Herald Sun Tour and the 2012 Tour of Britain.

But the 27-year-old is yet to take the next step to becoming a rider who can win big.

Haas came to the Tour with good form, having finished third earlier this month at the road nationals.

And Saturday was clearly another step in the right direction.