The 2024 Santos Tour Down Under is set to welcome back two of Australia’s cycling stars, Grace Brown and Amanda Spratt. The reigning champion, Brown, representing the French team FDJ-SUEZ, aims to defend her title on home ground. Her victory in 2023 was particularly notable as she triumphed over three-time race winner Amanda Spratt at the finish line.
Brown’s achievements in 2023 were significant, including a silver medal in the individual time trial at the World Championships in Glasgow. Spratt, on the other hand, had a commendable season, finishing in the top 10 at the Tour De France Femmes and establishing herself as a leader of the Lidl-Trek team.
Race Director Stuart O’Grady OAM expressed his excitement about securing such high-calibre athletes for the event. He highlighted the commitment of multiple UCI Women’s WorldTour teams to the race in Adelaide as a testament to the event’s stature and the growing popularity of women’s cycling.
The Santos Tour Down Under women’s race, having gained UCI Women’s WorldTour status last year, represents the pinnacle of international racing. Brown shared her enthusiasm about returning to Adelaide and facing the challenge of Willunga Hill, a new addition to the Women’s WorldTour race.
Spratt, the most successful female rider in the event’s history with three general classification victories, is keen to replicate her past successes. She has set her sights on a strong performance at Willunga Hill, considering it a significant goal for the upcoming race.
The 2024 Santos Tour Down Under will also see Ruth Edwards (nee Winder), the 2020 champion, come out of retirement to compete with Human Powered Health, alongside teammate Henrietta Christie, who won the Young Rider jersey last year. They will be joined by notable cyclists like French national champion Audrey Cordon-Ragot and USA Olympic track teammates Lily Williams and Megan Jastrab.
The event will also feature Australian talents including the national Road Champion Brodie Chapman and local veteran Tiffany Cromwell from Canyon-SRAM Racing.
Confirmed Women’s WorldTour teams for the 2024 event include Team Jayco Alula, FDJ Suez, UAE Team ADQ, Team Jumbo-Visma, Team DSM-Firmenich, Human Powered Health Cycling, Lidl-Trek, and Canyon-SRAM.
