Team Jayco AlUla has officially announced a star-studded lineup for the upcoming 2024 Santos Tour Down Under, featuring back-to-back Australian Champion Luke Plapp, who will be making his much-anticipated debut with the team. At just 22 years of age, Plapp has already made a significant mark in the cycling world, with a recent extension of his contract through to 2027 after a successful year, including a runner-up position at the UAE Tour.
Joining Plapp is the 2023 Santos Tour Down Under runner-up, Simon Yates, a prominent figure in the cycling community. Yates, a former Vuelta a España champion with 10 individual Grand Tour stage wins, placed fourth in last year’s Tour de France. This British cycling powerhouse’s presence in the team further solidifies Team Jayco AlUla’s aspirations for top honours in the upcoming race.
Caleb Ewan, a familiar face with nine stage wins at the Santos Tour Down Under and an impressive 11 Grand Tour stage victories, is set to return to the Australian squad. His comeback is highly anticipated, adding more firepower to the team’s arsenal. Alongside him, Adelaide’s own Chris Harper, who secured the title of the second-best placed Australian in the most recent Tour de France, is expected to bring his climbing expertise to the forefront.
The team’s composition is further strengthened by the inclusion of Olympic track medallists Kelland O’Brien and Michael Hepburn, as well as New Zealand’s Campbell Stewart. Their diverse skills and experiences promise to bring a dynamic edge to the team’s performance.
Stuart O’Grady OAM, Race Director of the Santos Tour Down Under, highlighted the depth and potential of Team Jayco AlUla’s roster. “Team Jayco AlUla always come with high expectations and this line-up shows they are a key contender for another big overall result at its ‘home’ race,” he commented. O’Grady’s insights reflect the anticipation surrounding the team’s participation and their prospects for success.
Luke Plapp expressed his excitement about racing in front of a home crowd, a rare opportunity for the team. “As an Australian, the Santos Tour Down Under is such an important and special race. Racing for Team Jayco AlUla, the race is even more important as it is an Australian team. I am so motivated and excited for the race; we really want to win and start the season off on a high,” Plapp said. His personal ambitions to perform well in his first UCI WorldTour race with the team, alongside his teammate Simon Yates, are clear indicators of his commitment and drive.
Mat Hayman, the team’s Sports Director, echoed the sentiments of the team’s high motivation levels. “It is one of the most important races on the calendar for us as a team, and for 2024, we are lining up with a very strong group,” he said. Hayman’s confidence in the team’s capabilities, especially with the addition of Plapp and Ewan and the return of Yates, sets a tone of high expectations and excitement for the upcoming event.
The Santos Tour Down Under, scheduled to take place in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 12-21 January 2024, promises nine days of elite racing action for both men and women. Fans and enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing Team Jayco AlUla, among other top teams, competing for glory in what is poised to be a thrilling and competitive event. For more information, visit tourdownunder.com.au.
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