The 3rd stage of the Tour Down Under 2025 promises to be particularly demanding. With a mountainous profile marked by formidable climbs like Norton Summit and especially the double ascension de Knott’s Hillthis stage of 147,5 km et 3.236 m D+ should make it possible to distance the pure sprinters and favor the punchers and climbers. Sam Welsfod will have to hold on to his ocher jersey!
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The 3rd stage of the Tour Down Under 2025which will take place on Thursday January 23promises to be one of the most demanding and decisive of this edition. With a departure at Norwood and an arrival at Uraidlarunners will have to cover 147.5 kilometers and face a positive altitude difference of 3,236 meters to climb. This stage, marked by formidable climbs and a technical finale, could well redistribute the cards in the general classification.
Route of the 3rd stage of the Tour Down Under
From the start, the runners will encounter one series of difficulties. The first significant ascent, Norton Summit – Ashtonis located in the first ten kilometers. With a average slope of 5% and max passages at 17.8%it will immediately put a strain on your legs. However, the real challenge of this step lies in the double ascension de Knott’s Hill, a new rise introduced in 2025. This coast, short but intense, measures 2.6 kilometers with a average slope of 7.5% and passages to 22,2 %. It will be climbed twice in the last 40 kilometerswhich will make it an ideal playground for punchers and climbers.
After the final ascent of Knott's Hill, riders will have to negotiate a 3 kilometer technical descent before arriving at Uraidla. This finale requires not only excellent effort management on the climbs, but also great technical mastery on the descent. Positioning before this last part will be crucial to hope for stage victory.
-The key points of today's stage
- Norton Summit : 10km at 5% average slope. Hill that begins at kilometer zero. Runners will only tip several kilometers further. Ideal for eliminating pure sprinters from the start of the stage.
- Knott’s Hill : a new hill (2.6km at 7.7%) to be climbed twice, in the finale of today's stage. The favorite climbers and punchers will attack, and even more so during the second ascent.
- Intermediate sprints : Two sprints (Picking up & Uraidla) counting for the points classification, at kilometers 39.1 and 112.4.
Favorites
This stage, with its mountainous profile and steep slopes, should benefit the punchers and the climbers. Among the favorites, we can cite:
- Stevie Williams (Israel – Premier Tech) : As the incumbent winner, Williams is considered the number one favorite. He has not “revealed” anything so far. On a hilly course, it is an ideal candidate for stage victory, and the race leader's gold jersey.
- Jhonatan Narvaez (UAE Team Emirates XRG) : The newcomer from UAE Team Emirates is not going to stay with both feet in the same shoe. As evidenced by, during the first stage, his second bonus taken. The Ecuadorian has something in mind. He is a serious contender for victory, just like Jay Vine with whom he shares the leadership. It will be interesting to watch the two riders race in the quest for victory.
- Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates XRG) : Winner of the 2023 edition, the Australian is formidable and he knows how to do everything: climb, ride. With his knowledge of the course and his recent form displayed (2nd in the time trial and 6th on the road during the Australian championshipss), Vine could well put the ball deep in Uraidla's side.
- Oscar Onley (Team Picnic PostNL) : The young 22-year-old Scot made his mark in 2024 with his 4th place in the general classification and his victory on the main stage of Willunga Hill. He will play for the stage victory and the ocher jersey this Thursday.
- Finn Fisher-Black (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) : Under his new colors, the young 23-year-old New Zealander is gaining momentum and is aiming for a top 5 on Sunday, but thanks to his punch and his progress in the mountains, stage victory is well within his reach.
- Luke Plapp (Team Jayco AlUla) : The multiple Australian champion “Plappy” could well defy the main predictions in front of his audience. His opponents will have to be wary of this.
- Mauro Schmid (Team Jayco AlUla) : Schmid could well be a surprise winner, although he is one of the favorites at the start of this 3rd stage.
- Paul Lapeira (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) : The French champion could well surprise on this hilly terrain, especially if the stage victory is played out in small groups.
Provisional general ranking – Top 10
- WELSFORD SamRed Bull BORA hansgrohe 6:27:40
- MARIT ArneIntermarché Wanty +0:14
- BRENNAN MatthewTeam Visma Lease a Bike m.t.
- KONRAD Patrick, Lidl Trek +0:15
- ZIMMERMANN Georg, Intermarché Wanty mt
- MARRIAGE Zac, Australia m.t.
- BROWNING Fergus, Australia m.t.
- WALLS Matthew, Groupama FDJ +0:16
- COQUARD Bryan, Cofidis m.t.
- TRONCHON Bastien, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team +0:17
Discover the complete general classification at the end of the 2nd stage of the Tour Down Under 2025
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