International cycling superstars arrive in South Australia for the nation’s greatest cycling race

A veteran Tour de France winner is among the first cycling superstars to arrive in SA for the nation’s greatest cycling race, kicking off next week.

International cycling superstars have begun arriving in South Australia, ahead of the nation’s greatest cycling race kicking off next week.

The Tour Down Under is set to begin on January 13 and British team INEOS Grenadier was the first to arrive at Adelaide Airport on Thursday morning to prepare for the race which attracts top cyclists from across the globe.

TDU Director Stuart O’Grady (L) greets INEOS Grenadier team member Ben Swift (R) at Adelaide Airport. Picture: Dean Martin

Veteran Welsh Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas is among the big names from INEOS arriving in Adelaide ahead of the event which kicks off the UCI World Tour.

Geraint made the journey early on Wednesday before the rest of the team.

The team was greeted by race director and Australian Olympic gold medallist Stuart O’Grady upon leaving the international terminal.

“We’re expecting a great event and we’re excited to be welcoming the first international teams back,” O’Grady said.

“You can see it on their faces that the cyclists are happy to be here.”

Vuelta a Espana champion Simon Yates has also arrived in South Australia.

Yates is one of four Grand Tour winners set to compete in the event, with Australia’s Giro d’Italia winner Jai Hindley also racing.

He is keen to see the SA race get underway with full capacity for the first time since 2020.

“I’m looking forward to be back,” Yates said. “It feels like a long time ago now.”

Simon Yates, who rides for Jayco, unexpectedly arrived on the same flight as some British team riders. Picture: Dean Martin

One of the greatest cyclists of all time, Chris Froome – a four-time Tour de France winner on top of two Vuelta crowns – returns to the TDU for the first time since 2010.

Froome said he was excited about returning to Adelaide.

“The race has changed a lot since I was there in 2010, getting bigger and better each year, to now be one of the most important races on the cycling calendar,” Froome said.

The Tour Down Under is set to race across picturesque South Australian scenery including wine region McLaren Vale and Mt Lofty.

Originally published as International cycling superstars arrive in South Australia for the nation’s greatest cycling race