Riders' representative Hansen happy with safety measures in Town Down Under

Australian cyclist Adam Hansen is happy common sense prevailed and the Tour Down Under field was listened to during Tuesday’s sweltering conditions.

Official temperatures topped 40 degrees for much of the stage, but Hansen and other cyclists reported on-road readings of 50C from their on-bike computers.

Hansen – the UCI riders' representative in this year’s race – said the move to strip one of the three planned laps of Lyndoch from the race was the right decision.

UCI riders' representaive Adam Hansen is happy with how Tuesday's heat was handled. (AAP)

''I was talking to the riders, (but) the decision was based on three parties, the riders, the race organiser and the UCI,’’ he said.

''The riders were all wanted the stage to be shorter, and everyone agreed which was good.’’

The Queenslander, who is hoping to continue on his record of having completed 16 consecutive grand tours, said the safety of the riders should always be paramount.

''The riders felt that their rights, and their safety, was taken care of and looked after,’’ he said.

''It was very hot out there, and the last thing the race organiser wants is guys rolling off the road because it is too hot.’’

There was no need for discussion about the heat on Wednesday as temperatures were up to 20 degrees cooler than Tuesday.