AusCycling have just confirmed that Caleb Ewan, one of the world’s fastest sprinters, will compete for the Australian National Team at the Santos Tour Down Under.
Ewan is a nine-time stage winner at the Santos Tour Down Under and has claimed five stage wins in both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, among his 60 professional victories.
The Australian National Team traditionally consists of a mix of promising domestic riders and professional riders whose teams are not participating in the Santos Tour Down Under.
Lotto-Dstny teammate, Jarrad Drizners, and Commonwealth Games team pursuit medallists Conor Leahy, Graeme Frislie and James Moriarty will be riding alongside Ewan in the men’s Australian National Team.
Ewan and Drizners will ride in the green and gold after their professional team Lotto-Dstny elected to forego UCI WorldTour invitations following their relegation from the top-18 teams for the 2023 season.
As winner of the men’s teams classification in the 2022 National Road Series, Team BridgeLane were awarded two positions on the team, filled by Cycle Sunshine Coast winner Zac Marriage and Liam Walsh.
Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady said Ewan will be an exciting inclusion for fans.
“Caleb has developed a strong following at the Santos Tour Down Under, thanks to his sprinting prowess and ability to mastermind victories at high speed,” O’Grady said.
“He was a standout in 2020, including a breathtaking win on Stage Two into Stirling and
claiming his fourth Schwalbe Classic, and he will be in the mix again this year, particular on Ziptrak® Men’s Stage 1 in the Barossa and THINK! Road Safety Men’s Stage 4 in Willunga.
“The Australian National Teams at the Santos Tour Down Under have a reputation of showcasing the next crop of Australian super stars and while riders like Caleb will grab headlines, cycling fans will have their eye on some of the exciting under 23 talent in these teams.”
The Santos Tour Down Under is taking place in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 13-22 January 2023. It will feature nine days of UCI WorldTour men’s and women’s racing.
Please visit tourdownunder.com.au for more information, with remaining rider announcements to be released in the coming weeks.
