'We have to make sure we get the job done' – Jayco AlUla work through National Championships travails to focus on tackling Tour Down Under

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 16: A general view of Ben O'Connor of Australia, Luke Durbridge of Australia, Rudy Porter of Australia, Hamish McKenzie of Australia, Kelland O'Brien of Australia, Luke Plapp of Australia, Mauro Schmid of Switzerland and Ruby Roseman-Gannon of Australia, Ella Wyllie of New Zealand, Georgia Baker of Australia, Mackenzie Coupland of Australia, Amber Pate of Australia, Josie Talbot of Australia and Team Liv AlUla Jayco during the 26th Santos Tour Down Under 2026, Team Presentation on January 16, 2026 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Con Chronis/Getty Images).

In the last two editions of the men's Santos Tour Down Under, Jayco AlUla have rocked up to the start line with the jersey of the Australian road race champion proudly on display and radiating team camaraderie, stoked by a successful season-opening campaign. This year brings a different scenario.

The green and gold jersey of the national champion is on another rider's back, Patrick Eddy (Team Brennan), even though the nation's only WorldTour squad entered into the January 11 title chase with an overwhelming number of key favourites – defending champion Luke Durbridge, three-time winner Luke Plapp and Ben O'Connor.