Nat Bromhead
Caleb Ewan has started 2023 with a bang, the Aussie sprinter winning the Schwalbe Classic in sensational style in Adelaide late on Saturday.
Ewan sprinted to the line in trademark style and sent a strong message about his plans for the season ahead as he led a young Australian national team during the Santos Tour Down Under opener.
“I really like racing with a young team and sometimes with older pros they just kind of turn up,” Ewan said after the Adelaide street victory.
“My team was quite good in the crit and it’s going to be a big learning curve for them,” he continued. “I hope I can help with their development and help them with WorldTour and help them be part of that journey.”
Riding with some of the world’s biggest names – a stellar WorldTour lineup featuring Grand Tour winners Jay Hindley, Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and Simon Yates – the Schwalbe Classic was the perfect opener for the return of the Tour Down Under after Covid disruptions.
Typically warm Adelaide sunshine and perfect skies helped fuel the party atmosphere as weekend crowds lined the city streets for the opening events of the ten day festival.
Ally Wollaston Wins Women’s Schwalbe Classic
Prior to the Men’s race, relatively unknown New Zealand rider Ally Wollaston surprised the big names of the female World Tour to win the Schwalbe Women’s Classic.
The evening before the UCI World Tour Ziptrak Stage 1 Glenelg to Aldinga, Wollaston raced to the front to sprint brilliantly across the line.
“Early in the race I definitely had my doubts about whether I would stay away or not,” Wollaston said.
“But judging by the calibre of riders that were in the breakaway, I think we did have a good chance.
“Once we got to around 45 minutes, I was thinking about how I’m gonna win this bike race now.
“It was a really, really fun day for sure.”
Wollaston, 22, arrived in Adelaide in form after taking out her nation’s criterium champion. She now adds the 2023 Schwalbe Classic to her palmares and will have high hopes for more victories in coming days.
With thanks to presentation partners Hammerhead GPS / Computers.
