Trailblazing Riders: Top 6 Men to Watch
As the tour line-up is set to sizzle this summer, there are a few men's riders that should be on everyone's radar.
1. Sam Welsford – Red Bull – Bora - hahnsgrohe
After claiming three stage wins in the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under, Sam Welsford is at the peak of his powers and comes into the next edition in hot form. The Western Australian spearhead a triumphant campaign at the Paris Olympics, where he powered the Aussies to a famous gold medal in the team pursuit (including setting a new world record time in the first round). He is familiar with South Australia’s road race conditions, having first appeared at the Santos Tour Down Under in 2018. Regarded as a pure sprinter, Welsford is a key cog in the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe machine. He will celebrate his 29th birthday mid-way through the Santos Tour Down Under.
2. Stephen Williams – Israel Premier Tech
The defending Santos Tour Down Under champion has every right to feel confident of more success. In September, the Welshman added 2024’s Tour of Britain to his swag of titles. Earlier in the year, he conquered the notoriously tough Ardennes in the prestigious La Flèche Wallonne one-day classic. A renowned climber, Williams sealed his general classification victory in 2024 by charging to victory on the final stage up Mount Lofty. After suffering a serious knee injury early in his professional career, Williams is becoming one of the star attractions of the global circuit. The 28-year-old clearly has the support of his team, with Israel-Premier Tech recently offering Williams a four-year contract extension. His assertive climbing style will make him an entertaining figure on South Australia’s steeper stages.
3. Alberto Bettiol – XDS Astana Team
4. Michał Kwiatkowski – Ineos Grenadiers
Boasting an arsenal of sprinting and climbing abilities, the former world champion will be making his Santos Tour Down Under debut. The Polish all-rounder claimed a Tour de France stage in 2023 and has victory in the classic Milan-San Remo on his CV. He recently announced his loyalty to Ineos Grenadiers as the British team looks to recalibrate in the upcoming tour.
5. Dylan Van Baarle – Visma/Lease a Bike
Paris-Roubaix winner Dylan Van Baarle is returning for his third Santos Tour Down Under. A recent Dutch national champion, the 32-year-old has vowed to bounce back after fracturing his hip in a crash during the Vuelta a Espana in August. South Australia offers an opportunity to push for an extension to his contract with his Dutch team.
6. Phil Bauhaus – Bahrain Victorious
