Australian Olympic riders Alexandra Manly and Georgia Baker will line up in Adelaide next year to compete at the upcoming 2023 Santos Tour Down Under women’s race.
Both will be big draw-cards for the international competition in June, with its 2023 edition set to be the first Union Cycliste Internationale Women’s World Tour stage race in the southern hemisphere.
Alexandra returned to full-time road cycling in remarkable form this year, winning four of six stages at
July’s Internationale LOTTO Thüringen Ladies Tour in Germany to take overall honours. The versatile Australian then secured another win in August with a thrilling stage four victory at the Tour of Scandinavia.
Sprinter Georgie’s latest season launched her to the forefront of the international cycling scene,
with three gold medals, including the women’s road race at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Georgie also came second in the opening prologue of the Giro d’Italia Donne and went on to claim
multiple top 10 stage finishes during the event.
Both riders were among the Australian lineup that won bronze in the mixed team time trial at the recent UCI 2022 Road World Championships in Wollongong.
Alexandra says she is looking forward to racing in her hometown of Adelaide.
“I am super excited to race the Santos Tour Down Under in January and for me personally, it is really special as the race is in my hometown of Adelaide,” says Alexandra.
“I have been a part of the event over the years and have witnessed its growth, so to see it now
elevated to UCI WorldTour level for 2023 it is really something special.
“As a team we have won the overall title five times and last year, we helped Ruby to take the overall title, a stage win and also Georgia won the criterium, so we return with so much motivation to try and keep winning in Adelaide.
“It is really nice lining-up with an all-Australian team, as this is the event were we have been exposed to the best cyclist in the world and it’s ignited the professional dream in many riders.
“We know it is going to be extremely high level of racing next year and a very challenging course
but we know what to expect and are coming in very well prepared.
“Hopefully the home advantage will help.”
Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady OAM says having a women’s world tour race in South Australia shows the growth of the event.
“GreenEDGE Cycling has enjoyed a very successful year and riders will be keen to extend their
remarkable achievements into the new season,” says Stuart.
“Having a UCI Women’s WorldTour race in South Australia shows the growth of the Santos Tour
Down Under. We are proud to present a challenging event on the world stage for these
impressive Australian athletes.
“Our stages will really play to Alex Manly’s strengths, but any rider on this roster could be in
contention for the ochre jersey.”
The Santos Tour Down Under will take place in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 13-22 January 2023. For more visit Tour Down Under
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