Aussie grand tour winner Hindley to take on Santos Tour Down Under

Reigning Giro d’Italia champion Jai Hindley is set to light up the Santos Tour Down Under when he returns to the race in January.

The 26-year-old made history in May as the first Australian to win the Giro and became one of only two Australians to claim a Grand Tour victory, following in the footsteps of 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans.

Like many Australian hopefuls Hindley earned his first Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) WorldTour opportunity at the Santos Tour Down Under with Team UniSA-Australia in 2017.

The Perth-born climber secured his first professional contract the following year and now races with German-based team BORA-Hansgrohe.

Hindley said he looked forward to competing under the guidance of new Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady OAM.

“The Santos Tour Down Under has always been a fantastic race and I’m excited it’s back next year,” Hindley said.

“We spend so much of our season in Europe, so it is nice to come back and race in front of Australian fans.

“2022 was a massive year for me and I’m looking forward to setting up my 2023 season with a strong performance in Adelaide.”

O’Grady said he is looking forward to welcoming Hindley back to Adelaide.

“Jai is an incredible Australian talent, and we are excited that he will start his 2023 season here in Adelaide,” O’Grady said.

“This course would be really appealing to Jai, particularly the three tricky climbs through the Adelaide Hills on stage three.

“The Santos Tour Down Under has a history of attracting some of the best cyclists in the world, and fans love coming to Adelaide to see our world-class Australian riders taking on the best.”

Further rider announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

The Santos Tour Down Under is taking place in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 13-22 January 2023.

Remaining rider announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Please visit www.tourdownunder.com.au for more information.