Stage 1: Sam Welsford sprints to victory in chaotic finish / As it happened
Sam Welsford of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe claimed victory on stage 1 of the Tour Down Under after launching his sprint early and holding off his rivals in a chaotic finale. He also claimed the first ochre leader’s jersey of the six-day race.
Men’s Tour Down Under information
The Australian six-stage event, centred in Adelaide, winds its way across South Australian roads in the height of the southern hemisphere summer, delivering a usually sweltering opener to a new WorldTour season.
The race, which was first held in 1999 and has been part of the WorldTour since 2008, starts in Prospect on January 21 and concludes in Adelaide on January 26 in 2025.
The race is often a place where Australian riders rise to the top, putting their best foot forward as they return from Europe to race on home soil, but with the strong international field delivered by its WorldTour status, there is no guarantee they will have it all their way.
Previous winners include Simon Gerrans, who has won the title on four occasions in 2012, 2014, 2006, and 2016. Tied for twice winning the overall title is Richie Porte in 2017 and 2020, Stuart O’Grady in 1999 and 2001, Daryl Impey in 2018 and 2019, and Andre Greipel in 2010 and 2008.
Since its inception in 1999, the race was cancelled for two editions due to COVID-19 in 2021 and 2020. The most recent overall champion was Stephen Williams in 2024.
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2025 Men’s Tour Down Under start list
Find the men’s 2025 Tour Down Under start list here.
