GreenEDGE Cycling will boast an all-Australian line up at the 2023 Santos Tour Down Under women’s race including Olympians Alexandra Manly and Georgia Baker.
Manly returned to full-time road cycling in remarkable form this year, winning four of six stages at July’s Internationale LOTTO Thüringen Ladies Tour in Germany to take overall honours.
The versatile Australian then secured another win in August with a thrilling stage four victory at the Tour of Scandinavia.
Sprinter Baker’s latest season launched her to the forefront of the international cycling scene, with three gold medals – including the women’s road race – at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Baker also came second in the opening prologue of the Giro d’Italia Donne and went on to claim multiple top 10 stage finishes during the event.
Both riders were among the Australian lineup that won bronze in the mixed team time trial at the recent UCI 2022 Road World Championships in Wollongong.
Joining them to represent GreenEDGE Cycling at next month’s Santos Tour Down Under women’s race will be 2022 Santos Festival of Cycling winner Ruby Roseman-Gannon along with the experienced Jessica Allen and neo-pros Georgie Howe and South Australian Amber Pate.
Manly said the Santos Tour Down Under was a race she always looked forward to.
“I am super excited to race the Santos Tour Down Under in January and for me personally, it is really special as the race is in my hometown of Adelaide,” Manly said.
“I have been a part of the event over the years and have witnessed its growth, so to see it now elevated to UCI WorldTour level for 2023 it is really something special.
“As a team we have won the overall title four times and last year, we helped Ruby to take the overall title, a stage win and also Georgia won the criterium, so we return with so much motivation to try and keep winning in Adelaide.
“It is really nice lining-up with an all-Australian team, as this is the event were we have been exposed to the best cyclist in the world and it’s ignited the professional dream in many riders.
“We know it is going to be extremely high level of racing next year and a very challenging course but we know what to expect and are coming in very well prepared.
“Hopefully the home advantage will help.”
Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady OAM said GreenEDGE Cycling would be a team to watch in 2023.
“GreenEDGE Cycling has enjoyed a very successful year and riders will be keen to extend their remarkable achievements into the new season,” O’Grady said.
“Having a UCI Women’s WorldTour race in South Australia shows the growth of the Santos Tour Down Under. We are proud to present a challenging event on the world stage for these impressive Australian athletes.
“Our stages will really play to Alex Manly’s strengths, but any rider on this roster could be in contention for the ochre jersey.
“GreenEDGE Cycling’s women’s team has won the overall title four times and will certainly be chasing another opportunity in front of their home crowd.”
The Santos Tour Down Under women’s race was elevated to the highest level of international competition in June, with its 2023 edition set to be the first Union Cycliste Internationale
Women’s WorldTour stage race in the southern hemisphere.
The Santos Tour Down Under is taking place in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 13-22 January 2023. It will feature nine days of UCI WorldTour men’s and women’s racing.
Further rider announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
Please visit tourdownunder.com.au
