Switzerland’s Noemi Rüegg clinched the 2025 Santos Tour Down Under General Classification in a thrilling finish at Stage 3 from Stirling to Stirling.
After her standout Stage 2 win, Rüegg displayed strategic brilliance and determination to successfully defend the Ochre Jersey and secure the top prize. She becomes the first Swiss woman to win the prestigious title.
Rüegg’s third-place Stage 3 finish behind stage winner Chloe Dygert (Canyon//SRAM ZondaCrypto) and runner-up Silke Smulders (Liv AlUla Jayco) sealed her overall victory.
“It’s amazing. I’m super happy, and it still feels surreal,” Rüegg said post-race. “This result is a culmination of years of hard work, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it pay off.”
Dygert, the 2024 Olympic team pursuit gold medallist, celebrated her team’s Stage 3 win. “It was a huge effort today, and I’m proud we pulled it off,” Dygert said.
Key Moments
- Ella Simpson (St Michel – Preference Home – Auber93WE) launched a daring solo attack, opening a gap of over 2 minutes with 44 km to go. However, her lead was neutralized by a determined peloton led by Rüegg’s EF Education-Oatly team.
- Australian veteran Amanda Spratt (Lidl-Trek) made several bold moves to shake up the field, while Erica Magnaldi (UAE Team ADQ) launched a late solo effort, prompting a strong response from the peloton.
- Despite the intense pace and soaring temperatures of 33°C, the peloton maintained an impressive average speed of 37 km/h.
Rüegg will now focus on her next challenge: the Schwalbe Women’s One-Day Classic in Adelaide city next Sunday.
Hyundai Stage 3 Winner
Chloe Dygert (Canyon//SRAM ZondaCrypto)
Santos Ochre Leader’s Jersey
Noemi Rüegg (EF Education – Oatly)
Ziptrak Sprint Jersey
Noemi Rüegg (EF Education – Oatly)
EFEX Queen of the Mountain Jersey
Alyssa Polites (ARA Australian Cycling Team)
Zwift Young Rider’s Jersey
Eleonora Ciabocco (Team Picnic PostNL)
Ride On Magazine will have full coverage of the 2025 Men’s Santos Tour Down Under, which starts on Tuesday.