15th Annual Belgian Waffle Ride California - May 2-3 - Register NOW!
United States | Midwest | Ohio >> Jay Vine takes second GC title Down Under after Kangaroo Crash
 
Add to My Favourites

Jay Vine takes second GC title at 2026 Santos Tour Down Under after Kangaroo Crash

Jay Vine secured his second Tour Down Under general classification title today after a tense and dramatic final stage on the Stirling circuit. Vine, who also won the 2023 edition, finished the race with a 1 minute 3 second advantage over Swiss rider Mauro Schmid, with Harry Sweeny completing the podium in third.

Jay Vine takes second GC title at 2026 Santos Tour Down Under after Kangaroo Crash

The decisive final stage was raced at high intensity, with several strong breakaway groups and aggressive attacks that kept the peloton on edge.

Mid-stage drama unfolded when a kangaroo unexpectedly crossed the road and caused a crash that briefly threatened Vine’s chances. Vine was fortunate to avoid serious injury and was able to rejoin the main group, while his teammate Mikkel Bjerg, who was involved in the incident, was forced to abandon the race due to the resulting injuries.

“Today was a reminder that racing is never predictable,” said Jay Vine. “I’m grateful to the team for their support and to the medical staff who helped after the crash. To finish here among strong competition, and to win the GC again, means a lot. We rode smart when it mattered and stayed focused until the finish.”

Vine’s victory capped a week of controlled, strategic riding by his team, who managed the race’s numerous attacks and protected their leader through technical sections and steep climbs. The final classification showed tight margins throughout the top ten, reflecting a highly competitive field and fast racing across the six stages. Mauro Schmid put in a strong performance to claim second overall, while Harry Sweeny’s consistency earned him third place on the podium.

Race organizers praised the resilience of the riders and the quick response by on-course medical and safety teams following the kangaroo-related incident. The event drew enthusiastic crowds along the Adelaide roads and on the Stirling circuit, celebrating the opening World Tour race of the 2026 season and showcasing Australian racing talent on home soil.

VIDEO: 2026 Tour Down Under Stage 5 Highlights

2026 Tour Down Under Stage 5 Top 10

1  BRENNAN Matthew Team Visma | Lease a Bike 3:58:08.000
2  FISHER-BLACK Finn Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe 0:00.000
3  ANDRESEN Tobias Lund Decathlon CMA CGM Team 0:00.000
4  GILMORE Brady NSN Cycling Team 0:00.000
5  VELASCO Simone XDS Astana Team 0:00.000
6  EDDY Patrick Australia 0:00.000
7  WATSON Samuel INEOS Grenadiers 0:00.000
8  ZAMBANINI Edoardo Bahrain - Victorious 0:00.000
9  TESFATSION Natnael Movistar Team 0:00.000
10  BAGIOLI Andrea Lidl - Trek 0:00.000

2026 Tour Down Under Final General Classification

1  VINE Jay UAE Team Emirates - XRG 16:44:54.000
2  SCHMID Mauro Team Jayco AlUla 1:03.000
3  SWEENY Harry EF Education - EasyPost 1:12.000
4  BRENNER Marco Tudor Pro Cycling Team 1:14.000
5  KRON Andreas Uno-X Mobility 1:16.000
6  RACCAGNI NOVIERO Andrea Soudal Quick-Step 1:19.000
7  CHARMIG Anthon Uno-X Mobility 1:23.000
8  ZANA Filippo Soudal Quick-Step 1:23.000
9  SOBRERO Matteo Lidl - Trek 1:27.000
10  O'CONNOR Ben Team Jayco AlUla 1:28.000

 
s