Dutch talent Silke Smulders stormed to second place on the third and final stage of the Santos Tour Down Under today, to secure a stunning second place on the overall general classification.
The result makes it the Liv AlUla Jayco rider’s first UCI WorldTour overall podium finish after displaying fine form and class, riding with the best on the iconic Willunga climb yesterday.
After taking confidence from her stage two performance, the 23-year-old flew the flag highly for the Australian registered team at its home race, with the full Liv AlUla Jayco squad going all in to support her for the final showdown around Stirling.
With soaring 37-degree temperatures, it was no easy feat to claw back the 15 seconds that sat between Smulders and the overall race leader. As the riders tackled five undulating laps, the Dutch star continued to ride with maturity, keeping her powder dry ahead of the grand finale.
With seven kilometres, remaining the bunch was intact until New Zealand champion Ella Wyllie turned on the pressure. Attacking solo and leading the race into the final three kilometres, causing panic in the bunch and teams to chase hard behind.
Once Wyllie was caught, the pace was on, yet a late surge from Chloe Dygert saw her steal the stage win. Behind, Smulders found her fine early season form once again and barrelled up the gruelling final drag to her second stage placing in two days, to confirm her well deserved overall podium spot.
Silke Smulders – 2nd
“This is my first ever WorldTour overall podium and today and yesterday were my first ever WorldTour stage placings so I just can’t believe it. I am very happy.
It has been a real honour here to be the leader as this race is one of the most important races of the year for us as a team, it is our home race. To finish it off and be on the podium and have two close second place finishes, I am very proud.
I really went full for this race. I trained really hard and really wanted to be good here but still, it is the first race of the season, I have come from Europe and so it is always unknown. I am happy the team really believed in me. I never could have dreamed of this result, so I am very happy.”
Gene Bates – Sport Director
“We are very satisfied with the result, Silke rode incredibly well, and it is great confirmation of where she is at. We walk away happy with lot of positives from the past three days. It is a great feeling to be starting the new WorldTour season on the podium overall and after two great stages and close second place finishes. We’re very motivated now for the next races.”
2025 Santos Tour Down Under stage 2 results:
1. Chloe Dygert 2:53:29
2. Silke Smulders (Liv AlUla Jayco) 0:01
3. Noemi Rüegg ST
2025 Santos Tour Down Under general classification:
1. Noemi Rüegg 8:49:00
2. Silke Smulders (Liv AlUla Jayco) +0:13
3. Mia Ottestad +0:37 Photo: Sprint Cycling
Photos: Sprint Cycling
