Ready to witness a cycling champion's new chapter? Noemi Rüegg, the defending champion, is stepping into uncharted territory at the 2026 Tour Down Under, and the stakes couldn't be higher. This year, she'll be sporting bib number one, a significant marker of her incredible success.
Last year, the EF Education-Oatly rider had a breakout season, starting on the familiar roads of Adelaide and culminating in her first Women's WorldTour overall race victory. This year, she's back to defend her title, with the women's Tour Down Under unfolding over three stages, concluding on Monday, January 19.
"It’s the first time I will actually wear bib number one, so that’s really special," Rüegg shared in a team press release. "To defend something will be a new situation for me, but I'll try to take it as I did last year, with as little pressure as possible and just try to enjoy being back here, just to take this as a motivation that I’m the defending champion."
But here's where it gets exciting: Rüegg will be joined by the World Champion, Magdeleine Vallieres, creating a powerhouse presence at the Tour Down Under. Both 24-year-olds are set to compete alongside other talented riders, including New Zealander Henrietta Christie, and team debutants Alice Towers and Stina Kagevi.
"I think we have a really strong team. It’s very diverse, so we have a lot of different qualities and strengths within the team, and I’m sure that together we are super strong. Every individual is strong, and we can play different cards and use our own strengths, and we’ll do the best that we can."
"We have a very strong women's peloton this year, with all the WorldTour teams being at the start line. Yeah, if I look to my left, I think I have some strong competitors here," Rüegg commented during the press conference, acknowledging the formidable competition, including Australian road champion Mackenzie Coupland and Chloé Dygert.
And this is the part most people miss: The course has undergone significant changes for its 10th edition. While the race will start in Willunga, the iconic Willunga Hill climb will be absent, replaced by punchy ascents across a total of 134.7 kilometers.
"I think the organisation has done a very good job in creating three very exciting stages, very diverse. And personally, I think it's coming down to the last stage, the Corkscrew climb, a very demanding climb. I'm expecting some time gaps there," Rüegg stated, highlighting the challenging nature of the race.
Rüegg's preparation mirrors last year's successful approach, instilling confidence as she gears up for the season. Last year's Tour Down Under victory propelled her to further achievements, including a third-place finish at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and top-10 finishes in spring Classics in Italy, including a podium at Milano-San Remo Donne. In the second half of the year, she secured multiple top-10 stage finishes at the Tour de Suisse Women and finished third overall at 1.Pro Tre Valli Varesine.
Controversy alert: With the absence of the Willunga Hill, does this change the dynamics of the race? Does this favor certain riders or teams? What are your thoughts on the course changes? Share your opinions in the comments below!
