Kathrin Schweinberger opened her account for Human Powered Health in style on her first day of racing. Kathrin produced a stunning performance to clinch third and claim a podium place on stage 1 of the Tour Down Under on Friday January 17th.
Sprinting in high winds on the South Australia coastline, the 28-year-old made waves with the second WorldTour podium of her career at the end of the 102km stage from Brighton to Snapper Point.
“I’m really happy with the result today,” she said afterwards. “I immediately felt the trust of all my teammates. When we decided I would go for the sprint it was just a really nice feeling that I got the support from everyone.”
Stage winner Daniek Hengeveld (CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling Team) attacked just inside 50km from the line, riding solo over the rolling parcours to take the win.
Behind, the peloton lined up for the sprint with Schweinberger expertly weaving her way through to the front, before narrowly being pipped to second place by Ally Wollaston (FDJ – SUEZ). The seaside finish mirrored that of Daria Pikulik’s opening stage victory in 2023, with the athletes battling a strong crosswind on the final straight.
“My teammates all did an amazing job,” Schweinberger explained. “Especially Silvia. She dropped me off with one kilometre to go, kept me out of all the mess, and put me in a really good position.”
A great start for Schweinberger in her new team colours that took her into the rest of the weekend of racing with confidence.
“My legs are feeling good,” she said. “The season is still early, so for now I’m happy and looking forward to the next two days. I hope we can do something and support Ruth. I hope I will be there as long as possible. We enjoy it here and it’s a great atmosphere.”
It was a battling performance from Barbara Malcotti, too. Earlier in the stage, she showed her climbing legs were on top form by capturing third place and four points in the mountains classification at Heatherdale Hill.
Unfortunately, Marit Raaijmakers did not take to the start through sickness. She will now focus on recovery ahead of the rest of the team’s campaign in Australia.
Santos Tour Down Under stage one result
1 HANGEVELD Sandra – CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling Team 2:45:06
2 WOLLASTON Ally – FDJ – SUEZ 0:36
3 SCHWEINBERGER Kathrin – Human Powered Health ”
4 VAN DAM Sarah – CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling Team ”
5 BARBIERI Rachele – Team Picnic PostNL ”
6 RÜEGG Noemi – EF-Oatly-Cannondale ”
7 VAN DER DUIN Maike – CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto ”
8 COPPONI Clara – Lidl – Trek ”
9 GRANGIER India – Team Coop – Repsol ”
10 FITYUS Lucie – St Michel – Preference Home – Auber93 WE ”
Santos Tour Down Under QOM classification after stage one
1 POLITES Alyssa – Australia 10 points
2 WŁODARCZYK Dominika – UAE Team ADQ 6
3 MALCOTTI Barbara – Human Powered Health 4
4 FISHER-BLACK Niamh – Lidl – Trek 2
5 WYLLIE Ella – Liv AlUla Jayco 1
