TDU 2025 Did Not Disappoint
By Claire Tyrrell
The mission to Adelaide for the nation’s biggest cycling race is always worth the effort.
And this rang true this year more than ever, given it was the 25th Tour Down Under.
A keen group of South Perth Rouleurs travelled across to the South Australian capital for the TDU this month, including myself, Amanda Nabi, Andrew Ballam, Julia Christensen, Adam Britten, Tom Goerke, Ben and Alison Thorman. Other club members included Andrew Williams, David Mennary, Ray and Nola Smith, Doug Pavlovich and Mark Sinclair, Simon Jones, Serena Smith, Michael Barry, Elar Kalda, Jarred Anderson and Paul Prottey.
We were even joined by interstate SPR members Sam and Liam Walker, who ventured from Victoria for the fun.
The schedule varied for each of us (and some rode their bikes more than others – I’m looking at you Ben!), but largely we followed the race as best we could. This year’s tour involved three women’s stages and six men’s stages (there’s strong speculation they will include a fourth women’s stage next year, thank goodness).
The event provided ample spectating opportunities, including packed start lines, KOM and QOM points brimming with atmosphere and exhilarating sprint and hilltop finishes. We witnessed WA gun Sam Welsford blast across the line for three spectacular stage wins – the lead outs from his Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe teammates were impeccable.
For me, a highlight was seeing young climber and polka dot jersey winner Fergus Browning’s parents watch their son claim the King of the Mountain points as he pedalled towards Mt Lofty – their pride was palpable.
Another standout moment was when Ray Smith pointed out a koala perched in a tree on the way to McLaren Vale for the fifth stage of the men’s race – thanks Ray!
Some of us were fortunate enough to rub shoulders with some of cycling’s greatest athletes, including Mark Cavendish who made a special trip across for the event. I sadly did not get to meet Cav, though I’m still glowing from my picture with Peter Sagan at the 2017 TDU!
The McLaren Vale stage is always an absolute standout of the TDU, because it involves a full day out with my SPR buddies and a brilliant view of the race from Willunga Hill. Once again, Andrew Ballam organised a fantastic ride out to the hill that included a stop to watch the start and a prime position on Willunga Hill. We got to watch the pros ride the hill twice, with the second time marking the end of the stage.
It was a thrilling finish, with Ecuadorian Ineos Grenadier rider Jhonatan Narváez battling it out to win the stage and claim victory in the TDU.
The long ride back was made a lot easier for me thanks to the fine company of Andrew Ballam – this guy deserves a medal for all the work he does organising rides at TDU and for his patience helping the back markers.
This year marked his and Amanda’s 12th Tour Down Under – and may there be many more.
I know there will be for me!
RCCC Australia Day Criterium 2025 — We had a fabulous turn-out at the Australia Day crit this past week. Steve brought the SPR Van (kudos) and we had both supporters and racers out in force. Huge congratulations to Alastair and Nikki for their podiums 💚💪🏻.
- 🥉 Nikki Pursell – 3rd, C Grade Women
- 🏆 Alastair Brook – 1st, D Grade Men
This was Alastair’s first criterium so well done. And Nikki has been working on race strategy all season, and it looks like it is working!
Only a few crits to go this summer season, so reach out if you’re interested.
SPR Italy Trip 2025 — We’ve had a great response to the EOI and the trip is on! Two places left in fact! Details below including link to EOI.
Updated post in the blog last week and EOI here.
Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.
1. RCCC 2025 Henk Vogels Snr Memorial Criterium
2. WCMCC Neerabup Graded Road Race – Summer of 2025
2. PDCC 24-25 Summer Criterium Race 3 (9/Feb)
Juniors Ride — This weekend we will focus on climbing and we will meet at the DNA tower in Kings Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/PUdiAZSDHZGmardQ7) at 10.30am on Saturday morning. The weather looks favourable for Saturday but do not forget the sunscreen and some water. For the young ones and newcomers we will practice some skills in a small car park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/aUG6JRwVPXVB2o3p6) and we will test our legs with only one climb. Please note we will all meet at the DNA tower car park at 10.30am.
During the ride I will need to split the group. I will give you more details on Saturday, but just remember that we will all end the ride at the Cafe (Botanical Kiosk Kings Park) next to the Kings Park visitor Centre (here are the coords https://maps.app.goo.gl/GCE4mYdwPE3trkyt5)
From the Ride Coordinator — Keep an eye out for some of your Ride Leaders in their new white jerseys.
This week we are doing Murdoch & Freo for the Main & Fast groups. Due to the continuing bridgeworks, the route will be modified on the day. Stay on Preston Point Road until it hits Canning Hwy where we will turn right. From Canning Hwy we will turn right onto Stirling Hwy, cross the bridge, and then turn left onto Tydeman Rd to continue the route as planned.
Saturday 1st February
- Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
- Early lap – earlybird 40.93km spr special
- All rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am
- Development group – novice shelley 36.06km spr saturday (*)
- Transitional 1/2 – Trans Mosman 40.39km SPR Saturday (*)
- Fast, Main – Murdoch & Freo 50.19km SPR Saturday
- (*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 2nd February
- Rides start at Coode St carpark at 6:00am (SUMMER TIME)
- Rides start at Coode st carpark at 6:00am (SUMMER TIME)
- Development group – coffee ride
- Short Hills (Social) – Khna Patt Palm 71.25km SPR Sunday
- Rides start at Bellevue RSL at 6:00am
Gravel Ride – Midland Bellevue round trip Heritage Trail(restart post-TOMR)
Monday 3rd February
- Ride starts under the Narrows (Sth Perth side) at 5:30am
Tuesday 4th February
- Ride starts under the Narrows (city side) at 5:30am
Wednesday 5th February
- Ride starts under the Narrows (Sth Perth side) at 5:30am
Thursday 6th February
- Ride starts under the Narrows (city side) at 5:30am
Friday 7th February
- Ride starts under the Narrows (Sth Perth side) at 5:30am