PARACOMBE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 18: A general view of Ally Wollaston of New Zealand and Team FDJ United - SUEZ - Orange Santos Leader's Jersey celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of Noemi Ruegg of Switzerland and Team EF Education-Oatly, Josie Nelson of Great Britain and Team Picnic PostNL - Blue Sprint Jersey winner and Paula Blasi of Spain and UAE Team ADQ during the 10th Santos Women's Tour Down Under 2026, Stage 2 a 130.7km stage from Magill to Paracombe 410m / #UCIWWT / on January 18, 2026 in Paracombe, Australia. (Photo by Con Chronis/Getty Images)
In a dramatic conclusion to Stage 2 of the Women’s Tour Down Under, Ally Wollaston of FDJ United-Suez emerged victorious, securing her second consecutive win in the race. The stage, which unfolded on a sweltering day in the Adelaide Hills, tested the riders with its undulating terrain and challenging climbs. Despite initial doubts about her form, Wollaston managed to out-sprint her rivals in the final kilometers, solidifying her position as the race leader.
Wollaston’s victory was marked by a strategic comeback. “It feels amazing,” she said post-race. “I was feeling really not good today. To be honest, I actually said to the girls, I’m not feeling good, and it would have been so frustrating for them to ride with me today, because I found it so hard to move up. But yeah, in the last 10k, something really just switches mentally. And if I know it’s gonna come down to a sprint, then yeah, something happens in the brain. And then I was there at the front. So I’m so, so happy.”
Strategic Moves and Team Dynamics
The stage was characterized by aggressive racing and numerous breakaway attempts. A dangerous late-stage breakaway threatened to disrupt Wollaston’s plans, but her team, FDJ United-Suez, displayed remarkable teamwork to reel in the escapees. “I just had to have full belief in my team that they could do it,” Wollaston explained. “It was such a strong breakaway and not so great that we missed it. It was a real error on our part, and the burden really fell on us to chase. And we’re so lucky. These girls just gave everything they could to catch a break.”
As the race leader, Wollaston is now tasked with defending the ochre jersey in the upcoming stages. “Rather not think about it right now,” she admitted. “But I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I think it’s really special to be able to hang on to the Jersey two days in a row. So I mean, I’ll give everything I can to hold on to it tomorrow. But obviously, if you look at the profile, it’s not really my kind of course. But we’ll see how it goes.”
Race Dynamics and Key Moments
The stage saw a series of attacks and counter-attacks, with riders like Chloe Dygert and Lotte Kopecky making significant moves. The peloton was stretched thin as it navigated the challenging climbs, with the quintet of breakaway riders at one point gaining a 19-second advantage. However, the relentless chase by teams like EF and FDJ ensured that the race remained tightly contested.
Josie Nelson, who finished third on the stage, was another standout performer, showcasing her sprinting prowess in the closing meters. Meanwhile, the peloton was kept on its toes by the aggressive tactics of riders like Wilma Aintila, who launched a solo breakaway early in the stage, and Dominika Wlodarczyk, whose attacks were quickly neutralized.
Expert Insights and Historical Context
According to cycling analyst Jess Allen, the stage’s outcome was a testament to the tactical depth and resilience of the FDJ United-Suez team. “They showed how strong they are last week at the Nationals,” Allen noted. “Although they’re a bit lower in numbers, they have a strong fighting spirit and are keen to give it their best these next couple of days.”
The Women’s Tour Down Under has a rich history of producing thrilling races, and this year’s edition is no exception. The challenging Adelaide Hills circuit, with its steep climbs and fast descents, has been a staple in South Australian cycling, often serving as a launching pad for decisive moves.
Looking Ahead
With Wollaston leading the general classification, the upcoming stages promise more excitement and strategic battles. The race’s unpredictable nature, coupled with the hot weather conditions, adds an extra layer of complexity for the riders. As the peloton prepares for the next stage, all eyes will be on Wollaston and her team to see if they can maintain their momentum and defend the ochre jersey.
The Women’s Tour Down Under continues to captivate audiences with its blend of strategy, endurance, and sheer willpower, setting the stage for an unforgettable cycling season.