In the exhilarating Men’s Down Under Classic held on Saturday night, Ineos Grenadiers’ Jhonatan Narvaez clinched a spectacular victory, covering a distance of 1.35km in a thrilling 60-minute race plus one lap. The event unfolded on the Adelaide city street circuit, setting the stage for an exciting start to the cycling season.
Down Under Classic Winner: Jhonatan Narvaez, INEOS Grenadiers
Narvaez’s impressive performance not only secured his triumph but also served as a formidable warning to Santos Tour Down Under GC contenders. The 26-year-old Ecuadorian, a Giro D’Italia 2020 stage winner, expressed confidence in the capabilities of the new WorldTour rider, Mexico’s Isaac del Toro, identifying him as a noteworthy contender for the upcoming WorldTour stage race.
“He (del Toro) is a GC contender,” Narvaez affirmed in an interview with Seven Plus. Reflecting on the intense race, he added, “It was a really fast circuit. It was important to never lose the motivation to win the race. To start the season like this is really nice.”
Caleb Ewan’s Absence Raises Concerns
However, the absence of Australia’s sprint sensation, Caleb Ewan, from the race was a significant concern. Despite being listed on the official 140 riders start list, Ewan, a five-time Down Under Classic champion, was noticeably absent from the start line. The rider’s unexpected omission raised questions about his readiness for the upcoming Ziptrak Stage 1 from Tanunda to Tanunda.
Ewan, 29, who claimed the national criterium title earlier in the year, was also absent from Friday night’s team presentations. Team officials expressed hope in having the eight-time stage winner of the Santos Tour Down Under ready for future stages.
Preme Sprint Highlights
As the peloton navigated the 1.35km circuit, preme sprints added an extra layer of excitement to the race. Isaac del Toro of UAE Team Emirates showcased his prowess, winning three out of the four preme sprints, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the cycling world.
Ziptrak Preme Sprint Results:
- 10 minutes: Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates)
- 20 minutes: Guillarme Boivin (Israel-PremierTech)
- 30 minutes: Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates)
- 40 minutes: Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates)
As dusk approached, blustery winds tested the bike handling skills of WorldTour riders, adding an extra layer of challenge before conditions eventually calmed. The Men’s Down Under Classic proved to be a thrilling spectacle, setting the stage for an exciting cycling season ahead.
2024 Down Under Classic Results
2024 Down Under Classic Video
Photo courtesy Santos Tour Down Under
