Javier Romo has achieved his first victory as a professional in the third stage of the Tour Down Under after an attack on the final descent that left the other favorites like Jhonatan Narváez or Lucas Plapp with no options. The Movistar Team rider acknowledged at the finish line that he has worked hard in winter to get in shape for the first World Tour race of the year:
"It's very important, this winter I've worked a lot thinking about the Tour Down Under, I could imagine this day. I'm very happy," he shared in a post-race interview. "I want to thank my team because today they worked very well for me, they have a lot of confidence in me."
The Spaniard had already shown himself on stage 2 with a move at the top of Menglers Hill, and so he was an outsider for the third stage. On the start of the climb, a stretched out peloton and rough pace split the group to bits. Everyone controlled each other going uphill, but as soon as the downhill started not everyone wanted to commit to hitting the wind.
Hence Romo's bravery was highly rewarded, as his solo move with around 5 kilometers to go net him a huge win, with the chasing group unwilling to organize itself to chase down the Spaniard. His victory also takes him to the race lead, where he is now perhaps the biggest contender to win the race. "When I went into the last kilometer I knew the victory was mine, I'm very happy," he tells.
He remembered his loved ones, how could it be otherwise, after winning the first victory of his career and the first of Movistar Team in an exciting 2025: "This victory is very important, also for my family, my girlfriend and all the people who have helped me these years."
🗣️ « It’s so important, for me, for my family, for my team. I can’t believe it »
— Santos Tour Down Under 🚴🚴♀️ (@tourdownunder) January 23, 2025
- 🇪🇸 @romoliver_99
🎤 The first words from today’s @efex_IT Stage 3 winner ⤵️
📺 Stream the race now on 7plus: https://t.co/k2Exq3FDwl@efex_IT | @santosltd#TourDownUnder #CouchPeloton pic.twitter.com/TqaGcvN6r0