The 2026 Santos Women’s Tour Down Under has kicked off the UCI Women’s WorldTour season with high-octane racing, scorching temperatures, and a dominant display of power from the peloton’s rising stars. As the race heads into its final act, the battle for the Ochre Jersey has intensified on the roads of South Australia.
Ally Wollaston
Here is everything you need to know about what has happened so far and the high-stakes finale still to come.
Current Standings: Ally Wollaston’s Dominance
New Zealand’s Ally Wollaston (FDJ United-Suez) has been the undisputed star of the opening stages. Despite admitting to pre-race nerves and the “chaotic” nature of the peloton, Wollaston secured back-to-back victories in the first two stages, putting her firmly in control of the General Classification (GC).
Key Highlights: What Happened in Stages 1 & 2
Stage 1: The Heartbreak of the 90km Solo
The opening 137.4km stage from Willunga to Willunga was defined by a heroic solo breakaway by Alessia Vigilia (Uno-X Mobility). Vigilia attacked with nearly 100km to go, building a lead of over three minutes. In a heartbreaking finale, she was caught by the charging peloton just 300 meters from the finish line, allowing Ally Wollaston to power past for the win.
Stage 2: Heat and Hectic Climbs
Raced in extreme South Australian summer heat, Stage 2 from Magill to Paracombe tested the riders’ endurance. Wilma Aintila launched a dangerous solo move, but the FDJ United-Suez team, led by a tireless Amber Kraak, neutralized the threat. In the uphill sprint at Paracombe, Wollaston edged out defending champion Noemi Rüegg to make it two-for-two.
What’s Next: The Queen Stage and Beyond
Stage 3: The “Corkscrew” Showdown (Monday, Jan 19)
The final stage of the Women’s Tour is the most anticipated. Starting in Norwood and finishing in Campbelltown, the route features two ascents of the infamous Corkscrew Road.
* The Challenge: A brutal 2.4km climb with gradients reaching 16\%.
* The Stakes: This is the last chance for climbers like Gaia Realini (Lidl-Trek) or Mavi García (UAE Team ADQ) to break Wollaston’s lead. The five-kilometer technical descent following the final climb will be just as critical as the ascent.
Vanguard Women’s One-Day Race (Wednesday, Jan 21)
Following the conclusion of the three-day stage race, the peloton moves to the Barossa Valley for a standalone UCI ProSeries one-day race. Expect 12 blistering laps around Tanunda, favoring the pure sprinters who survived the hills.
Summary of Jersey Leaders
* Ochre (GC): Ally Wollaston (FDJ United-Suez)
* Sprint (Points): Ally Wollaston (FDJ United-Suez)
* QOM (Mountains): Paula Blasi Cairol (UAE Team ADQ)
* Young Rider: Justyna Czapla (Canyon//SRAM)
The 2026 edition has already proven to be the most competitive in the race’s history, featuring the longest stages ever seen in the women’s event. With only a handful of seconds separating the top contenders, the climb up Corkscrew Road will decide who wears the final Ochre Jersey in Adelaide.
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Viorica Bruni Editor Athletica Sports Web Publication
