JUSTYNA CZAPLA: BEST YOUNG RIDER AT TOUR DOWN UNDER

After pulling on the white best Young Rider jersey following stage one of the Tour Down Under, Justyna Czapla delivered a tenacious performance on the third stage, zipping up the jersey for good.

The typically reserved but fiercely determined 21-year-old crossed the line after a demanding 126.5km finale, nearly overcome with emotion after claiming overall honours in her category.

“I’m just so happy. It’s something really special because I’ve never experienced this feeling before – winning a white jersey, or any jersey at all. I was almost crying because I couldn’t believe it.”

Fighting for overall classification success was entirely new territory for Justyna, a fourth-year professional and product of CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation. Prior to this week, she had only worn a classification jersey once – finishing as best young rider after the stage one team time trial at the 2025 La Vuelta Femenina. She had never fully experienced racing with a result to defend, nor the responsibility and support that comes with it.

Backed by experienced teammates including local legend Tiffany Cromwell and all-round powerhouse Chloé Dygert, Justyna was expertly guided through the race. Then, when it mattered most, she rose to the challenge of Adelaide’s infamous Corkscrew climb.

The 2.4km ascent (9.1% avg.) dominated most pre-stage discussions, generating equal parts anticipation and apprehension. Tackled twice – cresting at 102.5km and again at 120.5km – it was followed each time by a rapid 5km descent to the finish.

After the first up-and-over, Justyna found herself alongside Neve Bradbury in the third group on the road, 50 seconds behind a leading trio, with a seven-rider chase group in between. Notably, apart from one lone rider, a reduced peloton regrouped ahead of the second and decisive ascent. Crucially, Justyna found herself in the group with her two closest rivals in the young rider classification, Reijnhout (TVL) and Ostiz (MOV). All three were equal on time and separated only by stage placings, setting up a decisive final showdown on the Corkscrew.

Justyna shared how she felt, and how she dealt with the two challenging ascents.

“I felt okay. I didn’t have the best legs but still, I tried to keep up. I would say the second time up Corkscrew, I felt a bit better than the first time – I think my head got into it more also. The first time over the top, I was in a group with Rosita [Reijnhout] but the second time, I dropped her, so I think it was a better climb.”

There was no room to relax, however.

“Then, she came back. I tried to be really fast in the descent and not let her catch the group, but then I saw that she was already there, so I just tried to stay in the wheels and not be too much in the wind, and I knew that I would just have to sprint against her. In the last corner, I was in front of her and just kept going until the line, and didn’t look back. I just gave it everything.”

From the final corner, 500 metres still remained to the line, but a 4% downhill slope made it a lightning-fast approach. Justyna could feel the young Dutch rider closing in, but she had the determination and speed to hold firm.

It was 17th on the stage for Justyna, 27 seconds behind impressive stage winner Rüegg (EFO), with Reijnhout one place back in 18th. The pair ended Tour Down Under on the same overall time, but Justyna claimed the young rider jersey from start to finish thanks to her higher stage placings across the three days. She also finished an excellent 14th on the general classification.

It’s no surprise that securing her first-ever jersey, and at a WorldTour race, has provided a major boost of confidence and motivation for Justyna heading into 2026.

“I think for the rest of the season, I can be really confident, because starting so well in the first race is a really big step forward and a step into the right direction. I think I can be ready to also fight for the best young rider jersey at other races.”

Before turning her attention to future classification ambitions, there’s still plenty of Australian racing to come, starting with the Tour Down Under One-day Classic on Wednesday, followed by the Surf Coast Classic and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Geelong next week. Whatever lies ahead, Justyna’s trip Down Under has already been a resounding success.

“It’s definitely a really nice way to start the season”, she added. “In Germany, it’s really cold right now, and I think even in Spain, it’s not very good weather. I’m really happy to be here and to do these races.”