Thursday, January 2, 2025 The official start list for the 2025 Santos Tour Down Under has been revealed, showcasing a star-studded lineup that includes eight reigning national champions from both the men’s and women’s pelotons. Celebrating its 25th edition, Australia ’s premier cycling race promises thrilling competition on the streets of South Australia this January. Among the standout names, reigning Canadian National Champion Michael Woods will return to South Australia for the first time since 2019.
Joining him are Italian National Champion Alberto Bettiol and three-time Australian National Road Race Champion Luke Plapp, both making their fifth appearance in the event. Ecuadorian rider Jhonatan Narváez, the runner-up in the 2024 edition, is set to compete after an impressive year that included his second Ecuadorian National Road Race title and a stage win at the Giro d’Italia. Swiss National Champion Mauro Schmid will race for Team Jayco AlUla, while French National Champion Paul Lapeira will lead Decathlon Ag2R La Mondiale Team.
In the women’s peloton, three national champions will be racing, including Australian champion Ruby Roseman-Gannon. New Zealand’s 2024 Women’s National Champion Ella Wyllie and Swiss champion Noemi Rüegg are also poised to add to their national successes on the international stage. The men’s race will feature headline names such as Geraint Thomas, Sam Welsford, defending champion Stephen Williams, and 2023 champion Jay Vine.
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