"Hopefully, we can have a similar outcome to last year" - Defending Tour Down Under champion returns to Australia full of determination
Cycling
Israel - Premier Tech's Stephen Williams had a starring season in 2024. The Welshman's success last year was kicked off by a brilliant victory at the Tour Down Under and as Williams returns to defend his crown, he's determined to get 2025 off to a similarly winning start.
“I’m very much looking forward to returning to the Santos Tour Down Under for the second time after a successful race for our team in 2024,” says Williams in a press release from the Israel - Premier Tech team's official website. “I come back now with extra motivation and, hopefully, we can have a similar outcome to last year. Obviously, that would be perfect."
Williams took home a stage victory and the general classification win from the Tour Down Under in 2024. With the likes of Geraint Thomas, Jay Vine, Luke Plapp, Oscar Onley and more expected to also join the startlist in Australia, Williams is set to have some fierce competition for victory. “Bike racing is tough though and there’s a quality field here, so I’m expecting a tough six days in Adelaide," he previews. "The course seems to have gone back to a more traditional route this year, without Mount Lofty, but it’s definitely hard enough to be good for our team.”
“We’re excited to be back here at the Santos Tour Down Under, even more so as the defending winners,” adds Israel - Premier Tech's Head Sports Director Sam Bewley. “The race organization has done a great job designing a really dynamic route this year that we believe suits the team we have brought here. Of course, we plan to try to win the race again with Stevie Williams but with the depth we have in our team, there are possibilities and opportunities for us throughout the week. We want to kick off 2025 with success here in Australia so we’re looking forward to getting started.”
Israel - Premier Tech for 2025 Tour Down Under:
George Bennett
Simon Clarke
Pier-André Côté
Nick Schultz
Corbin Strong
Stephen Williams
Michael Woods
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The champ is back! 🙌
— Israel – Premier Tech (@IsraelPremTech) January 15, 2025
We’re just a few days away from the start of the WorldTour season where Stevie Williams will look to defend his @tourdownunder title, backed by a strong team in Adelaide!
“I come back now with extra motivation and, hopefully, we can have a similar outcome… pic.twitter.com/zoJ95vnbm4
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maria2024202415-01-2025 - It does, he had some weight management issues, being too lightweight I believe. He will be right there if he comes healthy.awp15-01-2025
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