Watch all the action from the 2023 Volta a Catalunya from March 21-27 live on SBS VICELAND or catch up the next day with replays via
Hindley became the first Australian to win the Giro d’Italia last year and though the temptation was strong to return in 2023, a tilt at the French Grand Tour appears to be his next target.
Before then, the Bora-Hansgrohe star must first contest the Volta a Catalunya, where he will wear the number one bib in the absence of defending champion, and teammate, Sergio Higuita.
The 102nd edition of the seven-stage race promises to be a gruelling experience for the peloton, one that begins in Sant Feliu de Guixols and features five mountain stages before the finish in Barcelona.
Reigning world champion Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) will provide stiff competition for Hindley, as will three-time Vuelta a Espana winner Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma), Ineos Grenadiers duo Egan Bernal and Geraint Thomas, and Olympic champion Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost).
The likes of Rigoberto Uran and Esteban Chaves (both EF Education-EasyPost) are also in the mix alongside Adam Yates, Joao Almeida and a strong Catalonian contingent led by UAE Emirates teammate Marc Soler.
Hindley will not be the only Australian competing on Spanish soil, however, with Ben O’Connor (AG2R-Citroen), Jack Haig (Bahrain Victorious) and Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) out to add their names to the list of contenders.
Compatriots Luke Plapp (Ineos Grenadiers) and Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) could also impact proceedings, though only the purest of climbers are expected to battle for the podium.
Victory in Spain would be Hindley’s first of the new European season and a deserved reward for some solid performances at the Tour Down Under, Volta Algarve and Tirreno-Adriatico.
Watch Hindley in action on Stage 1, LIVE on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand, from 1:15am (AEDT) on Tuesday, March 21.
