We didn't have to wait long to see riders on the ground in 2025. During the first stage of the Santos Tour Down Undera fall involving many runners occurred in the last three kilometers. However, before the departure of this 25th Santos Tour Down Underthe race director, Stuart O’Gradyconfirmed that everything was done to avoid incidents and accidents.
Video – Stuart O'Grady the boss of the Santos Tour Down Under!
“Unfortunately, accidents happen in bike racing”
Present at a press conference before the Grand Départ of the 25th edition of the Aussie event, Stuart O’Grady spoke about rider safety, a real concern for the former Australian sprinter. “I've thought a lot and we've put a lot of effort into making every race as safe as possible. The original circuit has changed. We're always looking to change the circuits.” If the organization tries to do everything possible to avoid tragedies, the director of Santos Tour Down Under remains fatalistic about the dangerousness of this sport.
“Unfortunately, accidents happen in bike racing. Cycling is a dangerous sport. But of course we look at things as we go, we evaluate each step, we look at the good and the bad of each step. Safety is my priority, I think I say that to all the team principals and all our staff before every Tour Down Under. The best Tour Down Under is the one that is safe and finishes well, and that goes not only for the spectators, but also for the riders.”
A challenge that continues to grow over the years
Since 1999, the Santos Tour Down Under is present on the calendar UCI. And since 2008, the Australian event has changed dimension, becoming part of the calendar Pro Tour and now WorldTour. Initially seen as a recovery competition, it becomes more and more competitive and followed according to its director, Stuart O’Grady. “It’s a real honor and privilege to be part of, I think, the full 25-year cycle, given that we were part of the first edition in 1999 and we’re still sitting here” he explained at a press conference.
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“As a South Australian, I am proud and honored to have not only these gentlemen next to me (Geraint Thomas, Luke Durbridge, Jay Vine, Sam Welsford and Stephen Williams editor's note) but also the women who ran these three last few days and who had an incredible race. The Santos Tour Down Under is constantly evolving, it has grown as a cycle race but also as a festival and we can really see this with the growth of the village and the number of spectators. I think we had record viewership, both nationally and internationally. The race has grown and that’s all due to the South Australian Government supporting this project over the last 25 years.”
