The Santos Women's Tour Down Under has kicked off with a bang, and the real test is yet to come! The opening stages have already been grueling, but the upcoming Stage 3 is where the race could truly ignite.
The double ascent of Corkscrew Rd on Monday is a daunting prospect, and it's no wonder all eyes are on this pivotal stage. The General Classification (GC) battle is shaping up to be thrilling, with a mere 14-second gap between the top two riders, Wollaston and Josie Nelson, and the defending champion, Noemi Rüegg, just 17 seconds behind.
Rüegg, last year's winner, is in a prime position to defend her title, but the competition is fierce. Her team is aware of the challenge ahead, as they aim to secure back-to-back victories. 'We know Noemi is strong, and we'll do everything possible to support her,' said Foder, but can they pull it off?
The race is far from decided, with a group of 21 riders, including three-time race winner Amanda Spratt and UAE Team ADQ's powerhouse trio of Mavi García, Dominika Wlodarczyk, and Paula Blasi, all within striking distance. Blasi's confidence is high, stating, 'We have one of the strongest teams, especially on the climbs.'
The double Corkscrew climb will be a spectacle, promising an action-packed finale. Liv AlUla Jayco's sports director, Jess Allen, is thrilled with the increased difficulty, saying, 'It's great to see longer and harder stages.'
And here's where it gets controversial—will the increased climbing difficulty favor the climbers or provide an opportunity for the sprinters to shine? Only time will tell.
As the race unfolds, Cyclingnews brings you all the action from Australia. Stay tuned for more insights and subscribe to get the inside track on the new season. And don't forget to share your predictions—who do you think will conquer the Corkscrew and take the win?
