Australian Jay Vine will return to South Australia this summer hoping to secure back-to-back victories at the Santos Tour Down Under.
The current National Time Trial Champion has established himself as a world class rider since turning professional in 2020.
After securing his maiden WorldTour stage race victory at the Santos Tour Down Under earlier this year, the Aussie climber was hampered by a knee injury and Grand Tour crashes.
Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady believes Vine is an exceptional talent and will have a point to prove in 2024.
“It was definitely a season of highs and lows for Jay in 2023, so I have no doubt he will be racing in January with a point to prove.
“Despite having to overcome some tough international competition, Jay definitely has the capabilities to defend his title, and racing on home soil, I would say anything is possible.”
Jay’s overall victory in the 2023 Santos Tour Down Under was one of his most impressive displays, winning the general classification by more than 10 seconds.
“The Santos Tour Down Under was a truly special experience for me last January, I cannot wait to get back to Adelaide and give it my all. I’m particularly looking forward to racing up the iconic Old Willunga Hill for the first time in January, finishing on the most famous climb in Australia will be pretty special,” said Vine.
“Wearing number 1 adds pressure, but no more than what I already put on myself. I will definitely take confidence from last year’s win going into the 2024 edition with extra motivation to once again find success on the Australian roads,”
Recently retired Darryl Impey was the last (and only) cyclist to go back-to-back at the Santos Tour Down Under, when he won in 2018 and 2019 racing for Mitchelton SCOTT.
