Caleb Yuan was an unexpected absentee from Saturday's Tour Down Under Classic criterium after suffering from illness after training in scorching Adelaide.

Jayco Aula told Cycling News that getting Euan in top shape for Tuesday's 144km opening stage around Tanunda and the five-day World Tour race that follows is his top priority.

"Caleb's physical condition is not 100%, he's a bit out of shape since yesterday's training in the heat," Jaco-Alura told Cycling News.

"The team's first priority is to get him on the start line on Tuesday. That's why he will rest tonight and start on Tuesday."

The temperature on Saturday evening, when the criterium took place, was 22°C, but on Friday it hit 35°C. The forecast calls for a high of 34°C on Monday, dropping to 24°C on Wednesday before returning to 35°C on Sunday.

Ewan, who has been in Australia since Christmas, won the title at the Australian Criterium in Ballarat with a strong ride with teammate Jayco Aroura. The one-hour criterium served as a warm-up and final tune-up before the Tour Down Under stage race, which starts on Tuesday.

Ewan had won the 2023 edition of the evening criterium held in central Adelaide, and was again considered the favorite to win this edition. However, his absence freed Jayco Arulla from the need to chase attacks, and a more open race unfolded.

Jonathan Narvaez (Ineos Grenadiers) was the surprise winner of the criterium as a six-rider attack held off the peloton and sprint team chase. Narvaez beat Natnael Tesfazion (Lidl Trek) and Neo Pro Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates).