Tour Down Under

After the success of Australian riders in the tour Down Under are we heralding a new era for Australian cycling? Jay Vine rode well throughout the entire competition and defended his lead. This was his first time riding for UAE Team Emirates. It’s great to see Australians taking a GC win on the circuit. Michael Matthews won the points classification. This season could see some great wins for homegrown heroes.

The 23^rd edition of the Tour Down Under will get underway in January, as some of the best cyclists from across the globe head to Australia with the aim of winning one of the major events on the calendar. It is the opening race of the UCI World Tour, and it will feature 19 teams that will be bidding for the top prize this season. True Blue Casino likes to support these great Australian events.

Opening Race Of The UCI Season

The Tour Down Under kicks off the UCI World Tour, which will feature a total of 35 events throughout the season. The Tour will see 19 teams involved, including Astana, AG2R Citroen, and EF Education, who have competed on the Tour for 15 seasons.

However, there will be some new inclusions this season, including Alpecin-Deceuninck from Belgium, and Arkea-Samsic from France. The most prestigious event on the tour remains the Tour de France, while other big events that fans and riders will be looking forward to include the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana.

Biggest and Best Yet

The Tour Down Under will be the biggest and best yet, with more of the best riders on the planet involved. Riders will be competing for 500 points on the overall standings, with second place receiving 400 points and the third rider earning 325 points.

Meanwhile, points are available for each stage, with the winner for each picking up 60 points. Furthermore, 25 points will be awarded to the rider in the second, while ten points will be picked up for the rider that finishes third in each stage.

Tour Down Under Dates

The Tour Down Under gets underway on Saturday, January 14, with the first stage of the event taking place in Adelaide called the Schwalbe Classic. Meanwhile, the final stage of the event will be staged from Unley to Mount Lofty, with the event coming to a close on Sunday, January 22.

However, the women’s event comes to a close a couple of days earlier, with the final stage concluding in Campbelltown on Tuesday, January 17.

Tour Down Under Challenge Tour

One of the finest new inclusions to the Tour Down Under is the Challenge Tour. This will take place between Norwood and Campbell Town on Friday, January 20. This has been an inclusion that fans have been calling out for, as it will enable keen cyclists to tackle one of the toughest legs of the stage before the professionals climb aboard to continue their fight for glory.

Participants can opt for one of two routes. The first will cover the full distance of 123.5 km, while the second option will cover 83km.

Tour Down Under Men’s Race Stages Overview

The Tour Down Under will celebrate everything great about the South of Australia throughout its run, but the real action will be taking place on the roads. The action gets underway at 7 p.m. at Victoria Square in Adelaide on Saturday, January 14, as the Schwalbe Classic, will cover a distance of 1.35km.

Next, riders will be in action on Tuesday, January 17, as River Torrens hosts the Efex Prologue. This race will cover a distance of 5.5km. The action steps up a gear for the first stage, which will cover 149.9km in distance around Tanunda. Stage two will then take place the following day on January 19, as Brighton to Victor Harbor will cover 154.8km.

The stages come thick and fast then, with stage three consisting of 116.8km between Norwood and Campbelltown, before the following stage covers 133.2km between Port Willunga and Willunga Township. The fifth and final stage then takes place on Sunday, January 22, as Unley and Mount Lofty will cover the final 112.5km.

Tour Down Under World Class Teams

Some of the biggest stars will be in action throughout the Tour Down Under, as they battle for important points for their team. It will be important for all riders and teams to get off to a fast start with a busy UCI Tour set for 2023.

ISRAEL PREMIER TECH-Chris Froome

One of the most successful riders will make his return Down Under with Israel Premier Tech, as Chris Froome competes. The Olympic medallist has won seven classification Grand Tour events, which includes overall Tour de France victories on four occasions.

INEOS GRENADIERS-Geraint Thomas

Ineos Grenadiers is the United Kingdom’s latest big-name team. They look to better their third-place finish previously. The team has won eight stages throughout its history, and their star man looks set to once again be Geraint Thomas. The Olympic medalist finished third in the general standings and is the 2018 Tour de France winner.

BORA – HANSGROHE-Jai Hindley

Bora-Hansgrohe is the only German team on the Tour this year, but they have quickly come through the ranks. Jai Hindley will be one of the riders that fans are most excited to see in Australia, as the Aussie won the Giro d’Italia last year. Previously, the team achieved its best finish at the event in 2019 when finishing third, and they have achieved three stage wins.

TEAM JAYCO – ALULA

Team Jayco is one of the Australian teams that will be bidding for success at their home event this year. Overall, the team has achieved five overall victories at the Tour Down Under, with Simon Gerrans winning on three occasions, and Daryl Impey claiming two wins. Other notable wins finishes include finishing second in the Paris Nice 2022 and third in the Giro d’Italia in 2021.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL TEAM

Another team that is likely to enjoy a lot of home support is the Australian National Team. The team was established in 2020 and now comprises over 54,000 members. They made their debut back in 2001 and achieved standout finishes in 2007, 2008, and 2021 when finishing second overall. 

TrueBlue Expert View- Who Will Win Tour Down Under?

It looks set to be a huge event in Australia, and excitement levels are already high with some of the biggest names set to be involved. However, one of the standout contenders looks set to be Geraint Thomas. The course looks set to favour their strong squad.

Our very own Jai Hindley could also be in with a chance in front of a home crowd. It’s always worth a punt on these events. Choose a reputable sports betting site for the best odds.