The Twelve Australian Riders on the Start List for Tour de France 2023
Twelve of Australia’s best cyclists are all set to showcase their skills and determination in the highly anticipated Tour de France 2023.
With the prestigious race kicking off in two days, here are the Australian athletes poised to make their mark on the international stage and vie for glory in one of the world's most challenging cycling competitions.
Perth born Jai Hindley will make his first appearance at the Tour de France and has his eyes set on winning another Grand Tour. In 2022, Hindley became the first Australian to win the Giro d’Italia, making him one of only two Australians to claim a Grand Tour victory.
Hindley chose not to defend his title in this year’s Giro to prepare for the Tour de France and has been named the lead rider for his team BORA-Hansgrohe. All eyes will be on Hindley as he looks to follow in the footsteps of Cadel Evans and secure the yellow jersey.
Ben O’Connor will line up for AG2R Citroën Team after abandoning the 2022 edition after suffering a torn glute injury early in the race. In 2021, O’Connor finished fourth in the overall general classification and won stage 9 from Cluses - Tignes. This month at the Criterium du Dauphine, O’Connor proved he’s in good shape leading into the TDF, finishing overall in fourth place and the highest of the three Australian’s who finished in the top 10.
Sprinting specialist Caleb Ewan is going into his fifth Tour de France and will be looking to utilise his explosive power to outshine his fellow sprinters to claim stage victories. Last year’s race was the first since 2018 that Ewan has not secured a stage victory in a Grand Tour. Will he be able to return to his former glory this year?
Simon Clarke and Nick Schultz will represent Australia in the Israel-Premier Tech team. Clarke, a Tour de France veteran, is lining up for his eighth edition after a strong start to the 2023 season. Schultz on the other hand is heading into his second Tour de France, but his first alongside Clarke and the Israel-Premier Tech team.
Another Aussie duo will represent in the Jayco AlUla team, with Luke Durbridge and Chris Harper racing in the Australian team. Durbridge is a four-time Australian national champion and will be racing in his ninth Tour de France. No doubt Durbridge will be a pillar of support to his teammate Harper, who will make his Tour de France debut at age 28.
Jack Haig was a late inclusion for his team Bahrain-Victorious, who will be racing in honour of their teammate, Gino Mäder, who tragically passed away following a crash at the Tour de Suisse this month. Haig has had an impressive string of results lately including a podium finish at Tour of the Alps and finishing 10th at Paris-Nice. Haig's versatility will be crucial in aiding his team leaders during decisive mountain stages.
Team DSM’s selection includes an impressive four Australian riders, three of which are making their TDF debut. Victorian rider Chris Hamilton will be racing in his second straight Tour de France following five career appearances at the Giro d'Italia and two at the Vuelta a Espana. Alongside him will be Matthew Dinham, Sam Welsford and Alex Edmondson who each have had strong starts to the 2023 season, with Welsford winning the final two stages of the Vuelta a San Juan and Edmondson finishing fourth overall at the Dutch ZLM Tour. Dinham will be racing in his first Grand Tour in his debut season for the team.
Team DSM but make it...🇫🇷 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓱 🇫🇷
— Team dsm-firmenich (@TDSM_Firmenich) June 22, 2023
We're ready for 3 weeks of tough but exciting racing 🔜 @LeTour 👋🏻
🇫🇷 @romainbardet
🇩🇪 @johndegenkolb
🇦🇺 @Matt_Dinham
🇦🇺 @alexedmo
🇳🇱 @nilseekhoff
🇦🇺 @ChrisHamo_
🇺🇸 @kvermaerke
🇦🇺 @sam_welsford #KeepChallenging #TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/iwwUNJhr8K
Out of the twelve Australians, four withdrew from the 2022 race (Jack Haig, Ben O’Connor, Simon Clarke, Luke Durbridge) and five will make their Tour de France debut (Jai Hindley, Matthew Dinham, Alex Edmondson, Chris Harper, and Sam Welsford).
As the Tour de France 2023 unfolds, these twelve Australian cyclists will battle against each other and formidable opponents from around the globe, aiming to etch their names in the annals of cycling history.
Australian fans will be eagerly cheering on their compatriots as they push their limits, overcome challenges, and strive for glory in one of the most prestigious sporting events on the planet.
