Photos: GettySport
Ruth Edwards wrapped up the Tour Down Under on a high note, climbing into the top ten of the general classification with a strong fourth-place finish in the race finale.
“I was feeling super strong today,” the 31-year-old said afterward. “I wanted to be a bit more active than I was but I also know that you have to be patient to get that result. I love attacking so it’s always good to be part of the race. I felt good today.”
Battling her way to the front on the finishing climb, Edwards guided her way through a reduced group, chasing the back wheel of stage winner Chloé Dygert (CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto) and second place Silke Smulders (Liv AlUla Jayco). Ultimately, She was edged off the stage podium by overall winner Noemi Rüegg (EF Education-Oatly).
“The run-in was fast and it’s a long sprint,” Edwards explained. “I didn’t feel like I had too big of a kick today but I did my best to hold on and finish just off the podium.”
Edwards was present at the pointy end of racing throughout the final stage, putting in an effort on the penultimate lap to put pressure on Rüegg.
“It was all about taking my opportunity when the opportunity presented itself,” she said.
Edwards was backed up on the road by Barbara Malcotti in the closing stages and Katia Ragusa, Silvia Zanardi and Kathrin Schweinberger earlier in the day.
“Barbara was very helpful and everyone has been all week,” she said. “It’s been fun racing with Kathrin as the new rider but sadly we were missing Marit who was sick at the start.”
The team now heads to two one-day races before racing back in the Women’s World Tour at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race on February 1.
“Coming to Australia, Cadel’s has always been a highlight race of my trip,” said Edwards. “I have had a second and a fourth there in the past and I’d love to better that. It suits me well and I’m feeling really quite strong so I’m hoping to land on that top step later in the trip.”
You can find out more about what’s on the menu in Australia in our race preview.
Santos Tour Down Under stage three result
1 DYGERT Chloé – CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto 2:53:29
2 SMULDERS Silke – Liv AlUla Jayco 0:01
3 RÜEGG Noemi – EF Education-Oatly ”
4 EDWARDS Ruth – Human Powered Health ”
5 VAN DAM Sarah – CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling Team ”
6 CHABBEY Elise – FDJ – SUEZ ”
7 MANLY Alexandra – AG Insurance – Soudal Team ”
8 WŁODARCZYK Dominikia – UAE Team ADQ ”
9 GHEKIERE Justine – AG Insurance – Soudal Team ”
10 NELSON Josie – Team Picnic PostNL ”
Santos Tour Down Under general classification
1 RÜEGG Noemi – EF Education-Oatly 8:49:00
2 SMULDERS Silke – Liv AlUla Jayco 0:13
3 OTTESTAD Mie Bjørndal – Uno-X Mobility 0:37
4 WŁODARCZYK Dominikia – UAE Team ADQ 0:40
5 CHABBEY Elise – FDJ – SUEZ ”
6 GHEKIERE Justine – AG Insurance – Soudal Team 0:41
7 SPRATT Amanda – Lidl – Trel 0:49
8 BRADBURY Neve – CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto 0:56
9 EDWARDS Ruth – Human Powered Health 0:59
10 TOWERS Alice – CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto 1:02
