Jai Hindley was born by the ocean in Perth, Australia, but it’s in the mountains where he truly came into his own. A pure climber who broke through and cemented his status on the peaks of the Giro d’Italia — runner-up in 2020, winner in 2022 — the Tour of the Alps feels like a race made for him. A true test packed with technical challenges, it arrives at a pivotal moment in the season.
The 28-year-old Australian, who also wore the yellow jersey at the 2023 Tour de France following a solo victory in Laruns — ahead of Giulio Ciccone and Felix Gall, both set to return at TotA — will spearhead a strong Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe lineup. By his side: Dane Frederik Wandahl, New Zealand's Nate Pringle, along with Germans Lennart Jasch, Emil Herzog, Ben Zwiehoff, and Toni Palzer — the former ski mountaineering champion who made his pro cycling debut right here at the 2021 Tour of the Alps.
"I can’t wait to be on the start line," said Hindley. "The Tour of the Alps is a beautiful but demanding race, a key milestone at this stage of the season and an essential part of my build-up to the Giro d’Italia."
The Tour of the Alps has become a prestigious proving ground, drawing top climbers each year with a route that demands consistency and sharp legs on every stage. Despite moderate distances and altitudes, there’s no respite — only relentless challenge.
Hindley first tackled the Euregio roads in 2021, placing sixth in the Feichten im Kaunertal stage before illness forced him to withdraw. Four years later, he returns with a Giro d’Italia title to his name and a hunger to relive the sensations only the Alps can deliver.
"What I remember most from 2021 were the demanding stages and stunning climbs — the technical level was incredibly high," added Hindley. "I'm really looking forward to riding these roads again, in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions."
Among those awaiting him at the Tour of the Alps: Italians Antonio Tiberi and Giulio Ciccone, Tirolean Felix Gall, reigning champion Juan Pedro López, and Britain’s Tao Geoghegan Hart — Hindley’s rival in their unforgettable 2020 Giro d’Italia duel. This is a race for ambitious riders, set in a region where there’s no room to bluff. A race for champions — and Jai Hindley is ready to be one of them.
