17 teams, including ten international outfits, will contest the four-stage Santos Women's Tour in 2017 which retains its UCI 1.2 status. Local squad Orica-Scott have enjoyed great success over the last few years and stand as the team to be beat once again but there will be strong competition from the likes of Canyon-SRAM, UnitedHealthcare, Ale Cipollini and Wiggle High5.
Two of the four stages, stage's 2 and 4, are for the sprinters and take place on courses in inner-city Adelaide. The overall is likely to be decided on the challenging and hilly stage 3 with stage 1, the longest of the race at 106.5km, will also have a bearing on the race.
Along with the international squads, a handful of Australian domestic teams will be taking part in the Santos Women's Tour and aiming to make their presence felt. For the full race preview, click here.
For the Beginners' Guide to the Australian racing season, click here.
