The 2025 Santos Tour Down Under, marking the beginning of the WorldTour season, is set to captivate cycling enthusiasts with its thrilling six-day race around Adelaide. This prestigious event, now in its 25th year, will see 20 teams and 140 riders competing for the ochre jersey. The race not only heralds the start of the racing season but also showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. The women’s edition precedes the men's event, adding to the excitement. Key stages, including the iconic Willunga Hill and the new Knott’s Hill challenge, promise to deliver intense competition and decisive moments. Returning champions like Stephen Williams and Jay Vine will face stiff competition from local favorites and international stars.

The Santos Tour Down Under has established itself as a pivotal event on the Australian cycling calendar. For many European riders, it serves as an early-season test, while others prefer starting later in the Middle East or at the Classics. Nevertheless, the allure of the ochre jersey draws top-tier cyclists to Adelaide each January. The race course, characterized by hilly terrain and challenging climbs, provides ample opportunities for general classification contenders to make their mark. The penultimate day features two ascents of Willunga Hill, a familiar yet formidable obstacle that has decided previous editions. Stage 3 introduces Knott’s Hill, adding a fresh element of difficulty to the route. These key stages ensure that the overall classification remains competitive until the final moments.

Among the returning champions is Stephen Williams, who claimed victory in 2024. His success was marked by a well-timed sprint on Mount Lofty and a dominant performance throughout the race. Williams, known for his adaptability and strength in punchy finishes, will be supported by capable teammates like George Bennett and Michael Woods. Another notable contender is Luke Plapp, representing Jayco AlUla. Fresh off his national time trial title, Plapp demonstrated impressive form and is eager to redeem himself after a crash forced him out of last year’s race. He’ll have strong support from teammate Luke Durbridge and other homegrown talent.

Jay Vine, the 2023 winner, returns as one of the main contenders. Despite facing challenges, including a spinal injury, Vine showed remarkable resilience and finished the 2024 season strongly. Partnering with Jonathan Narváez, Vine aims to regain his winning form. Oscar Onley, the champion of Willunga Hill in 2024, also returns with ambitions to improve on his second-place finish. Finn Fisher-Black, transitioning to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, seeks leadership opportunities and is expected to perform well in the hilly stages. XDS Astana brings new signings Alberto Bettiol and Sergio Higuita, both of whom possess the potential to excel in the early season.

Ineos Grenadiers, aiming for a resurgence following a difficult 2024, field a strong lineup led by Magnus Sheffield and Michał Kwiatkowski. Young riders like Pablo Torres and Albert Withen Philipsen add a layer of excitement, poised to make their mark in this prestigious event. The Tour Down Under offers these up-and-comers a platform to showcase their skills without the pressure of more established races. Local talents Fergus Browning and Zac Marriage will also be ones to watch, potentially featuring in significant breakaways.

As the 2025 Santos Tour Down Under approaches, anticipation builds for another unforgettable edition. The race promises to deliver dramatic moments and fierce competition, highlighting the best of professional cycling. Whether through the familiar challenge of Willunga Hill or the introduction of new tests, the Tour Down Under remains a crucial stage in the careers of many cyclists. Fans can look forward to witnessing stellar performances and the emergence of future champions.