“Honestly, I can’t believe it” – Noemi Ruegg beats the odds to defend Women’s Tour Down Under title in dramatic Campbelltown finale

Noemi Ruegg completed a remarkable title defence at the Women’s Tour Down Under, winning the final stage in Campbelltown after surviving a three-on-one battle against UAE Team ADQ on the brutal double ascent of the Corkscrew.

The EF Education-Oatly rider looked under real pressure after the first ascent of the Corkscrew, when a lead group formed featuring Mavi Garcia and Dominika Wlodarczyk for UAE, along with Sarah Van Dam. Ruegg was initially distanced and later admitted she did not think the race was still winnable at that point.

“Honestly, I can’t believe it. I’m totally overwhelmed. We wanted to defend the title but it is always harder to defend. My team was amazing, they believed in me more than I did.”

She eventually fought her way back into contention and bridged across to Wlodarczyk on the second ascent, joined by Paula Blasi and Garcia. That left Ruegg isolated against three riders from the same team with the title on the line.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ruegg refused to panic as UAE Team ADQ attacked her repeatedly on the climb and the descent towards Campbelltown.

“Magdeleine was amazing, and I didn’t believe it was possible after the first climb. I played the game and yeah, I’m super stoked.”

Ruegg followed every move, knowing her chance would come in a sprint.“I knew they would attack me; it was the only chance they had. I just had to follow immediately; I knew I had a good sprint.”

When the four riders reached Campbelltown together, the situation finally swung in her favour. “They kind of did the leadout for me which was good.”

Ruegg launched late and clearly, beating all three UAE riders to the line to take both the stage and the overall title.

After three days of heat, climbing and constant pressure, Ruegg left Australia with the ochre jersey again on her shoulders, proving she can win not just with strength, but with patience, nerve and perfect timing in the biggest moments.