The Santos Tour Down Under 2025 is set for another exciting year, attracting a slate of top international cyclists to South Australia. This world class race, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, has unveiled its official start list, including eight current national champions spread across the men’s and women’s divisions.
Among the notable figures, reigning Canadian National Champion Michael Woods is set to compete on South Australian roads for the first time since 2019. He will be joined by Italian National Champion Alberto Bettiol and three-time Australian National Road Race Champion (2022-24) Luke Plapp. Both Bettiol and Plapp are making their fifth appearance in this event. 2024 runner-up Jhonatan Narváez, fresh from a remarkable season, will also vie for the top spot after his second win at the Ecuadorian National Road Race Championship and a victorious stage at the Giro d’Italia.
The women’s race features strong competitors including Australian National Champion Ruby Roseman-Gannon, along with New Zealand’s Ella Wyllie and Switzerland’s Noemi Rüegg. These champions are set to add an intense level of competition, with Rüegg and Wyllie looking to enhance their impressive records.
Adding to the star-studded line-up are Geraint Thomas and Sam Welsford, who will race alongside defending champion Stephen Williams and 2023 winner Jay Vine in the men’s category. The roster also includes World Champion Michal Kwiatkowski and Paris-Roubaix victor Dylan Van Baarle, both making their debut at the Santos Tour Down Under.
For the women’s peloton, Justine Ghekiere, the recent Tour de France Queen of the Mountain, will appear alongside Olympic gold medallist and World Championships Road Race runner-up Chloe Dygert. Olympic silver medallist Ally Wollaston, who captured a stage win here in 2024, is expected to be a strong contender again. Adelaide’s own Alexandra Manly, a former stage winner, is also anticipated to make a substantial impact on the race.
Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady welcomed the participants, remarking on the depth and quality of the field. “Having eight reigning national champions across the men’s and women’s pelotons shows the depth of quality we have in the field for our 25th anniversary, and I think we’ll see some unbelievable racing this summer,” said O’Grady. He also highlighted the significance of having decorated cyclists such as Ghekiere, Dygert, Kwiatowski, and Van Baarle, appreciating their remarkable cycling resumes and what they bring to the race.
As the Santos Tour Down Under approaches, spectators can anticipate ten days filled with elite racing and vibrant festival activities throughout Adelaide and regional South Australia.
For more details and to view the full list of teams and riders, head to https://tourdownunder.com.au/race/teams-and-riders
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