Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
3h ago

Noemi Ruegg Defends Tour Down Under Title With Final-Stage Corkscrew Win

Climbers settled the race on a double ascent of Corkscrew after Ally Wollaston’s two opening sprint wins.

Noemi Ruegg of Switzerland celebrates winning the final stage of the women's 2026 Tour Down Under in Adelaide
New Zealander Ally Wollaston takes a 14-second lead into the final stage of the Tour Down Under. (PR IMAGE PHOTO)
Ally Wollaston leads the Tour Down Under heading into the second stage. (PR IMAGE PHOTO)
Australian star Ruby Roseman-Gannon was caught in a crash near the end of stage one. (PR IMAGE PHOTO)

Overview

  • Ruegg clinched the 126.5km finale to take the overall by 11 seconds over Mavi Garcia, with Paula Blasi at 14 seconds and Dominika Wlodarczyk at 17 seconds.
  • She sealed back-to-back crowns by responding on the second Corkscrew climb and winning the downhill sprint after marking late attacks.
  • World champion Magdeleine Vallieres provided key support to keep Ruegg in contention after the first ascent left her under pressure.
  • Overnight leader Ally Wollaston, victorious on stages one and two, struggled on the hills and slipped to 39th overall.
  • This edition featured Corkscrew Road twice for the first time and a deep field with all 14 Women’s WorldTour teams, as crashes and withdrawals hit several squads including Liv AlUla Jayco.