ARA Australian Cycling Team Takes on Santos Tour Down Under

A mix of experienced professionals and developing talents make up the ARA Australian Cycling Team for the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under in Adelaide, which starts Friday, January 12 with Stage 1 of the women’s UCI WorldTour race.

Veteran Sarah Roy leads the squad at her third Tour Down Under (TDU) as she embarks on her 12th season in the pro peloton. She is joined by Nicole Frain, who raced in the inaugural Tour de France Femmes. Lizzie Stannard, who had an impressive 2023 season, and Emily Watts, the 2023 National Road Series winner, will also be part of the team. Excitement comes from the youngest rider on the team, Darcie Richards.

Roy’s teammate Josie Talbot unfortunately had to withdraw due to COVID. Nevertheless, Roy is looking forward to racing with her Aussie squad and helping the TDU debutants make themselves proud.

The men’s team, led by Damien Howson and Michael Storer, also has plenty to be excited about. Five young talents from Australian UCI Continental outfits, including Tristan Saunders and Jackson Medway, complete the team. The Santos Tour Down Under consists of six stages, culminating in back-to-back hilltop finishes on Willunga Hill and Mount Lofty for Stage 5 and Stage 6 respectively.

The ARA Australian Cycling Team is eager to be competitive and put their best foot forward at the tour. Both the women and men are determined to make their mark in the general classification.