From Sub-Zero Switzerland To Strong SA Sunshine, Noemi Ruegg Wins Stage 2

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A few short weeks ago she was training in Swiss sub-zero temperatures… today she won her first WorldTour stage under hot South Australian sunshine.

Noemi Ruegg made history at the Santos Tour Down Under, claiming victory in the Health Partners Stage 2 from Unley to Willunga.

The 23-year-old Swiss road champion became the first woman from her country to win a stage and maintain the overall lead in the general classification.

“It feels amazing. Cycling isn’t a big sport on the road in Switzerland yet,” Ruegg said. “It’s nice to take this step and show that we can compete at this level. We’re a small country, but we have a really strong national team.”

Ruegg’s EF Education-Oatly team demonstrated exceptional tactical prowess, guiding the climbing specialist to the summit of famed Willunga Hill in a thrilling finish. She managed to drop her key rivals on the decisive final climb.

“I still can’t quite believe what happened today,” Ruegg admitted. Having arrived just a week ago from Switzerland’s icy winter, she overcame the drastic change in conditions. “I’m a bit surprised because it’s cold back home, and I didn’t spend weeks training in Spain to acclimate. But I think my preparation worked—I trained a lot in the cold and added some heat training. I’ve stayed healthy and had good rides.”

Poland’s Dominika Włodarczyk, riding for UAE Team ADQ, claimed the efex Queen of the Mountain jersey after an impressive performance. The Polish national road champion was thrilled with the achievement in her second Santos Tour Down Under appearance.

“I arrived in Adelaide a week early to adjust to the time zone, and I really like it here,” Włodarczyk said. “Last year, I felt amazing, but I’m not naturally suited to these conditions, so it’s a rewarding challenge.”

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