In addition to Thomas and Van Baarle, four well-known Australians also at the start in Tour Down Under

Olympic champion Sam Welsford is one of the confirmed participating Australians. The Olympic champion in the team pursuit and sprinter of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe returns to his home race, where he recorded three stage victories in 2024. After that, the fast man's road season didn't produce much.

"I'm really looking forward to coming back to my home race to start off the season," Welsford said in the press release. "It's an event with a lot of good memories for us, particularly from this year, where we took three stages, so it will be great to be back at the Santos Tour Down Under again in 2025."

Luke Plapp is also participating in the race. He is currently still the Australian champion, but he will first have to defend that jersey in early January. The Team Jayco-AlUla rider has something to make up for after his disappointing 2024 edition, which he had to abandon after a heavy crash in the third stage.

"Last year was a dream start to the season for me, winning the national championships and then being able to wear the green and gold jersey at the Santos Tour Down Under," Plapp recalled. "I'll be hoping to defend my national road race title in Perth the week before, so that could be the perfect lead into the Santos Tour Down Under." Winning will be the goal of the 23-year-old rider.

Finally, Simon Clarke has also been confirmed. He has already competed in the Santos Tour Down Under 14 times. With his 38 years and expiring contract in 2025, it may be his last.

Among the women, Amanda Spratt is one of the eye-catchers. The triple winner of the Santos Tour Down Under has her sights set on another victory. "Racing in Australia is something very special," says Spratt. "The atmosphere, the crowd, and the chance to see friends and family along the way make this race unique."

The Santos Tour Down Under is always a joy to watch, although that is also because it is the start of the new cycling season Race director Stuart O'Grady emphasizes the considerable value of the race. "For many Australian riders, the Santos Tour Down Under is the only opportunity they have to race in front of friends and family. Australia has produced a lot of exciting cycling talent on the world stage right now. With an impressive crop of riders making their mark in the UCI WorldTour peloton, I'm confident we'll see several Aussies pushing for podiums over the course of the Santos Tour Down Under."

With the first names confirmed, some interesting riders are already at the start, as we previously reported that Geraint Thomas and Dylan van Baarle are heading to the island. Is this a prelude to a special anniversary edition?