tour down under programme

Tour Down Under 2023: Route, stages, and startlist guide

Taking a look at all the stages for both the men's and women's Australian race

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Key Information

Where: Adelaide, South Australia

When: 14 January (Schwalbe Classic men's and women's)

Women's TDU , 15-17 January Men's TDU , 17-22 January

Rank: UCI WorldTour (men's and women's)

Distance: 672 kilometres (men's) 293 kilometres (women's)

Returning to the WorldTour after a two-year absence, the Tour Down Under lifts the curtain on the WorldTour season once more. Multiple big name riders in both the men’s and women’s peloton will be heading to Australia for the stage-race including the recently crowned Australian national road champion Luke Plapp (Ineos Grenadiers) and Grace Brown (FDJ Suez). 

Both the men’s and women’s action will begin with the Schwalbe Classic, an evening criterium on Saturday 14 January. However the criterium will have no say in the overall general classification battle. 

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The men’s race will get underway on Tuesday 17 January with a 5.5 kilometre prologue, whereas the women’s race will begin the day after the criterium on Sunday 15 January with a flat 110.4 kilometre stage between Glenelg and Aldinga. 

Men's Tour Down Under: Stages, 17-22 January

Luke Plapp will be flying the flag for Australia at this years race

The route for the 2023 men's Tour Down Under has something for everyone. There will be plenty of action in the depths of the Adelaide hills as well as other fast and furious sprint stages which should make for an excellent opener to the WorldTour season. Bringing the race back without its famous Willunga Hill climb was always going to be a brave decision, although race director Stuart O'Grady explained when presenting the 2023 route that he believes it was important to bring some "fresh faces" into the Australian stage race. 

"I think it's important to bring some new, fresh places into the Tour Down Under,” O'Grady said. "I was brought in to bring in some new innovations, some new exciting parcours and also didn't want just the same old kind of stages where everybody knows exactly what's going to happen. The new final stage brings in a lot of excitement. It's a short stage, it's aggressive, it's more central to Adelaide, so I'm guessing more and more people will get there.”

Prologue: Adelaide - Adelaide, 5.5 km

The evening prologue on Tuesday 17 January follows a 5.5 kilometre course through the Adelaide Parks and past the Adelaide Oval cricket ground in what promises to be a fast and furious affair. Unusually, the riders will have to use their road race bikes due to logistical issues with bringing all of their equipment over to Australia for the race. It's also the first time a prologue has been incorporated into the race, with race organisers clearly hoping that Rohan Dennis (Jumbo-Visma), home favourite and time trial expert, can pull off the win and the early race lead.

Stage One: Tanunda - Tanunda, 149.9 km, Hilly

The first road stage of the 2023 men's race covers a 149.9 kilometre circuit around the city of Tanunda and and the Barossa wine area. It also features four smaller circuits which involve the Menglers Hill climb, making for a total of 2,050 metres of elevation gain. Menglers Hill isn't so challenging that the best sprinters in the world won't get over it, meaning that the likes of Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Dstny) could still be in contention towards the stage finale. 

Otherwise, a rider of the likes of Plapp could look to use the final climb with just 10 kilometres to go as a launch pad for a solo move to the finish. 

Stage Two: Brighton - Victor Harbour, 154.8 km, Hilly

The longest stage of this year's edition, stage two from Brighton to Victor Harbour is all about the coast. Riders will get to enjoy the spectacular coastline for the first portion of the route before things ramp up in the stage climax. 

The final 60 kilometres involve two challenging, categorised ascents although the flat run in could also mean a day for the sprinters once more. In 2020, Giacomo Nizzolo (Israel-Premier Tech) grabbed the victory. Ewan will be another name to watch or a rider like EF Education-EasyPost's Alberto Bettiol. The Italian can more than hold his own on short, punchy climbs and packs a devilish fast finish.

Stage Three: Norwood - Campbell Town, 116.8 km, Hilly

Stage three to Campbelltown is short but will pack a mean punch with three of Adelaide's toughest hills roped into the equation. Norton Summit, Checkers Hill and Corkscrew Road are all on the menu, providing plenty of staging posts for the high profile overall contenders to make their moves. Corkscrew Road features challenging pitches of 6.8% average gradient, with one section ramping up to more than 9%. Perhaps homegrown hero and Giro d'Italia winner Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe) will look to test his early season form on the hills of Adelaide.  

Stage Four: Port Willunga - Willunga Township, 133.2 km, Flat

Normally on a stage in and around Willunga, you would expect the infamous Willunga Hill to feature somewhere in the route but this year's race misses out the legendary climb. Stage four gets underway overlooking the beach and ends in Willunga Township after 133 kilometres of mainly rolling, undulating roads. Stage four is definitely a day for the sprinters once more before the race reaches its finale on Mount Lofty the day after. 

Stage Five: Unley - Mount Lofty, 122.5 km, Hilly

Stage five to Mount Lofty will make for a spectacular finish to the 2023 edition of the race. The stage is just 112.5 kilometres long but features five ascents of Mount Lofty, which is almost certainly going to provide drama on the races final day in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. All four ascents of the devilish climb will make for more than 3,000 metres of climbing. The whole climb is 2.6 kilometres long with an average gradient of 7%. At two and then one kilometre to go there are two much more severe, steeper sections which is where the GC favourites will be expected to attack. Many talented climbers feature on the expected start list which should make for a thrilling and aggressive stage five to end the race. 

WOMEN'S TOUR DOWN UNDER: STAGES, 15-17 JANUARY

FDJ-Suez's Grace Brown will be a strong favourite for the women's race

Stage One: Glenelg - Aldinga, 110.4 km, Flat

The opening day of the women's race is a relatively flat affair along the South Australian coastline. 

With just one categorised climb on the menu, the category four Chaffey's climb, it promises to be a fast run into the finish which could provide an opportunity for the likes of Grace Brown (FDJ-Suez) to start as they mean to go on, with an opening day stage victory. 

Stage Two: Birdwood to Uraidla, 90 km, Hilly 

Stage two will be a punchy affair through the Adelaide hills, a reverse of the route taken in stage five of the men's race. The women will ascend the back of the Mount Lofty climb which is certainly set to cause some major splits in the bunch. 

If after day one Brown has taken an early lead in the GC, she will have to be well on her guard to prevent climbing experts like Brodie Chapman (Trek-Segafredo) from wrestling the overall lead from her grasp. 

Stage Three: Adelaide - Campbelltown, 93.2 km, Hilly

The grand finale for this year's women's Tour Down Under will be one for the climbers with more than 1,500 metres of elevation on offer. 

Corkscrew Road - one of the toughest climbs in the Adelaide hills - will play a starring role on the races final day and will more than likely cause some major splits. 

With sections of up to 24.4% gradients, the Corkscrew will provide a menacing test and potentially the perfect setting for the overall leader to launch an attack, and claim a final day stage win to cement their advantage. 

MEN'S START LIST

 Jayco-AIUla

Michael Matthews  (AUS) Simon Yates (GBR) Luke Durbridge (AUS) Lucas Hamilton (AUS) Michael Hepburn (AUS) Chris Harper (AUS) Campbell Stewart (NZA)

AG2R-Citroën

Ben O'Connor (AUS) Alex Baudin (FRA) Dorian Godon (FRA) Paul Lapeira (FRA) Nans Peters (FRA) Michael Schar (SWI) Damian Touze (FRA)

Arkéa-Samsic

Ewen Costiou (FRA) Mathis Le Berre (FRA) Elie Gesbert (FRA) Hugo Hofstetter (FRA) Kevin Ledanois (FRA) Łukasz Owsian (POL) Alessandro Verre (ITA

Astana Qazaqstan

Luis Leon Sanchez (SPA) Manuele Boaro (ITA) Leonardo Basso (ITA) Fabio Felline (ITA) Dmitriy Gruzdev (KAZ) Martin Laas (EST) Gianni Moscon (ITA)

Bahrain-Victorious

Pello Bilbao (SPA) Nikias Arndt (GER) Kamil Gradek (POL) Hermann Pernsteiner (AU) Cameron Scott (AUS) Jasha Sutterlin (GER)

Trek-Segafredo

Tony Gallopin (FRA) Filippo Baroncini (ITA) Marc Brustenga (SPA) Asbjorn Hellemose (DEN) Emils Liepins (LAT) Natnael Tesfazion (ERI) Antonio Tiberi (ITA)

Bryan Coquard (FRA) Francois Bidard (FRA) Davide Cimolai (ITA) Wesley Kreder (NED) Victor Lafay (FRA) Alexis Renard (FRA) Harrison Wood (FRA)

Soudal Quick-Step

Mattia Cattaneo (ITA) Josef Cerny (CZA) Dries Devenyns (BEL) James Knox (GBR) Mauro Schmid (SWI) Jannik Steimle (GER) Martin Svrcek (CZA)

Alpecin-Deceuninck

Kaden Groves (AUS) Jenson Plowright (AUS) Robert Stannard (AUS) Samuel Gayze (NZA) Senne Leysen (BEL) Oscar Riesebeek (NED) Michael Gogl (AUS)

Groupama-FDJ

Michael Storer (AUS) Miles Scotson (AUS) Lorenzo Germani (ITA) Reuben Thompson (NZA) Laurence Pithie (NZA) Paul Penhoet (FRA) Rudy Molard (FRA)

Ineos Grenadiers

Geraint Thomas (GBR) Ethan Hayter (GBR) Kim Heiduk (GER) Luke Plapp (AUS) Magnus Sheffield (USA) Ben Swift (GBR)

Intermarche-Circus-Wanty

Sven Erik Bystøom (NOR) Julius Johansen (DEN) Hugo Page (FRA) Gerben Thijssen (BEL) Taco van der Hoorn (NED) Boy Van Poppel (NED) Dion Smith (NZA)

Jumbo-Visma

Rohan Dennis (AUS) Robert Gesink (NED) Lennard Hofstede (NED) Timo Roosen (NED) Milan Vader (NED) Timo van Dijke (NED) Jos van Emden (NED)

Gorka Izaguirre (SPA) Imanol Erviti (SPA) Johan Jacobs (SWI) Oscar Rodriguez (SPA) Ivan Romeo (SPA) Sergio Samitier (SPA) Luis Guillermo Mas (SPA)

Chris Hamilton (AUS) Matt Dinham (AUS) Patrick Bevin (NZA) Romain Combaud (FRA) Tim Naberman (NED) Marius Mayrhofer (GER) Martijn Tusveld (NED)

UAE Team Emirates

Jay Vine (AUS) George Bennett (NZA) Marc Hirschi (SWI) Sjoerd Bax (NED) Alessandro Covi (ITA) Michael Vink (NZA) Finn Fisher-Black (NZA)

EF Education-EasyPost Alberto Bettiol (ITA) Mikkel Honoré (DEN) Jens Keukeleire (BEL) Sean Quinn (USA) Jonas Rutsch (GER) Thomas Scully (NZA) Lukasz Wisniowski (POL)

Bora-Hansgrohe

Jai Hindley (AUS) Marco Haller (AUS) Shane Archbold (NZA) Luis-Joe Luhrs (GER) Jordi Meeus (BEL) Max Schachmann (GER) Giovanni Aleotti (ITA)

Israel Premier-Tech

Chris Froome (GBR) Daryl Impey (RZA) Simon Clarke (AUS) Corbin Strong (NZA) Taj Jones (AUS) Sebastian Berwick (AUS) Derek Gee (CAN)

Australian National Team

Caleb Ewan (AUS) Jarrad Drizners (AUS) Graeme Frislie (AUS) Connor Leahy (AUS) Zac Marriage (AUS) James Moriarty (AUS) Liam Walsh (AUS)

WOMEN'S START LIST

Jayco- AIUla Ruby Roseman-Gannon (AUS) Alex Manly (AUS) Amber Pate (AUS) Georgia Baker (AUS) Georgia Howe (AUS) Jessica Allen (AUS)

Amanda Spratt (AUS) Lauretta Hanson (AUS) Brodie Chapman (AUS) Tayler Wiles (USA) Lisa Klein (GER) Ilaria Sanguineti (ITA)

Grace Brown (AUS) Loes Adegeest (NED) Clara Copponi (FRA) Eugenie Duval (FRA) Victorie Guilman (FRA) Gladys Verhulst (FRA)

Human Powered Health

Lily Williams (USA) Daria Pikulik (POL) Antri Christoforou (GRE) Kaia Schmid (USA) Henrietta Christie (NZA) Nina Buijsman (NED)

Israel Premier Tech Roland

Caroline Baur (SWI) Silvia Magri (ITA) Mia Griffin (IRE) Thi That N'Guyen (VIE) Claire Steels (GBR) Elena Pirrone (ITA)

EF Education-Tibco-SVB

Lauren Stephens (USA) Emma Langley (USA) Krista Doebel-Hickok (USA) Abigail Smith (GBR) Georgia Williams (NZA)

COOP-Hitec Products

Mari Mohr (NOR) Josie Nelson (GBR) Tiril Jorgenson (NOR) Sylvia Swinkels (NED) Kerry Jonker (RZA) Georgia Danford (NZA)

ZAAF Cycling

Danielle De Francesco (AUS) Elizabeth Stannard (AUS) Nikola Noskova (CZA) Michaela Drummond (NZA) Debora Silvestri (ITA) Maggie Coles-Lyster (CAN)

ARA Skip Capital

Sophie Edwards (AUS) Chloe Moran (AUS) Isabelle Carnes (AUS) Alex Martin-Wallace (AUS) Georgia Whitehouse (AUS) Rachael Wales (AUS)

Emily Watts (AUS) Gina Ricardo (AUS) Jessica Pratt (AUS) Keely Bennett (AUS) Lillee Pollock (AUS) Mia Hayden (AUS)

Nicole Frain (AUS) Rachel Neylan (AUS) Josie Talbot (AUS) Anya Louw (AUS) Haylee Fuller (AUS) Alli Anderson (AUS)

New Zealand National Team

Ally Wollaston (NZA) Bryony Botha (NZA) Ella Wyllie (NZA) Prudence Fowler (NZA) Rylee McMullen (NZA) Annamarie Lipp (NZA)

St Michel - Mavic

Roxane Fournier (FRA) Coralie Demay (FRA) Simone Boilard (CAN) Dilyxine Miermont (FRA) Sandrine Bideau (FRA) Camille Fahy (FRA)

HOW TO WATCH

We've produced a full guide detailing how to watch all of the action from the first WorldTour races of the season. Depending on where you are in the world, you may want to consider downloading an ExpressVPN to ensure you can gain access to your home broadcaster. 

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Tom has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2022 and his news stories, rider interviews and features appear both online and in the magazine. 

Since joining the team, he has reported from some of professional cycling's biggest races and events including the Tour de France and the World Championships in Glasgow. He has also covered races elsewhere across the world. 

As well as on the ground reporting, Tom writes race reports from the men's and women's WorldTour and helps with coverage of UK domestic cycling. 

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THE SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER IS THE OPENING EVENT FOR THE UCI WORLDTOUR

The Santos Tour Down Under brings UCI WorldTour professional cycling teams, both men and women, to race in South Australia every January.

View 2023 Stages

In 2023, the Santos Tour Down Under stages challenged the peloton as they raced around South Australia and delivered plenty of excitement for the fans.

Men's Race Results

See the race results of the 2023 Santos Tour Down Under Men's race.

Women's Race Results

See the race results of the 2023 Santos Tour Down Under Women's race.

Watch full replays in race highlights of the 2023 Santos Tour Down Under on 7Plus.

Race History

The Santos Tour Down Under is Australia's greatest cycling race, with a rich history as the highest-regarded and most popular bike race in the southern hemisphere.

The event was first staged in 1999 with local rider Stuart O’Grady taking the win. Since then, numerous internationally renowned cyclists have joined  the Honour Roll . The event has grown year-on-year to become the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere.

Santos Leaders Jersey

Ziptrak sprint jersey, efex king/queen of the mountain jersey, zwift young rider jersey.

The Santos Ochre Jersey is awarded to the rider with the fastest cumulative time at the end of each stage - the leader of the 'general classification - and the overall winner at the end of the race.

Ochre is the colour of the iconic South Australian outback, and is unique among the general classification jerseys in the UCI WorldTour.

This jersey is awarded at the end of each stage, and the race, to the rider with the most number of points in the sprint classification.

Sprint points are awarded at pre-defined checkpoints on stages, including the finish. Sprint checkpoints located along the route are referred to as intermediate sprints, and carry fewer points than those associated with the finish. The first three riders receive points towards the classification.

The efex King/Queen of the Mountain jersey is awarded at the end of each stage, and the race, to the rider who leads the cumulative Mountains Classification.

efex King/Queen of the Mountains points are awarded at pre-determined summits along each stage. This jersey traditionally has a polka dot pattern, which started in the Tour de France in 1975 and has been adopted by other races around the world. The efex King/Queen of the Mountain jersey has blue polka dots.

The Zwift Young Rider's jersey is awarded at the end of each stage, and the race, to the rider under 26 years of age with the best cumulative time in the race. The Youth Classification leader and winner traditionally wears a white-coloured jersey in world cycling, and the Santos Tour Down Under also maintains this tradition.

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Your ultimate guide to the Santos Tour Down Under 2023

Australia’s greatest cycling race is back to launch the international cycling season. So what are the key dates, and the best vantage points from Port Willunga to the Moutn Lofty summit. Check out the key dates and ways to see the best of the race and our state.

The heart of the 10-day 2023 festival will take place in the new look city tour village in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. With free entry, the largest ever tour village will feature bars, a family zone, ample shade, live music and much more!

The Santos Main Stage will play host to the Team Presentation, where the riders are presented to the public for the first time. See the international and Australian heroes up close and get an insight into who this year’s favourites will be. The opening night concert will kick off the start of a 10-day celebration. Along with daily programmed entertainment, settle back and watch the stages live-streamed on the Santos Main Stage big screen throughout the day.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE MEN’S STAGES AND ROUTE MAPS

Make the most of the new shade additions to the Tour Village and enjoy daily programming. Features will include panel chats with cycling experts, including riders from the peloton. Enjoy live music and DJ performances by local talent while getting among the festival atmosphere.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE WOMEN’S STAGES AND ROUTE MAPS

Ensure your caffeine levels are topped up throughout the Santos Tour Down Under. Grab a coffee before heading off for a group ride with early opening times, or upon return from one of the stages.

Cycling programming will take over the Highlights Zone throughout the event, showcasing an array of features. Don’t miss the epic tricks of BMX freestyle demonstrations, or go back in time with the pop-up vintage bike display. For the first time ever, MAKER will offer a pop-up, one-day market for cycling enthusiasts of all levels.

Visiting the Tour Village with kids? Be sure to check out the Family Zone. Young cycling fans can learn something new, burn some energy or relax with the family in the shade. Activities include LEGO build a bike, pedal power and much more.

Gather in the Tour Village after work with friends or come back into the city after a big day out watching the cycling. With both a beer garden and garden bar on offer, you’re guaranteed to start your night off right – especially with daily happy hours.

Some of Adelaide’s leading food offerings, including Comida, Fine and Fettle and Fiesta Tajine, will be serving up diverse menus during the event period, while Gelista will offer a delicious gelato refreshment. Rolling Regions by Sprout, a bistro space to enjoy a bite, will rotate its menu and produce to reflect the South Australian regions through which the peloton is racing that day.

The Santos Tour Down Under’s Bike Expo will feature the latest technology and innovations from the biggest brands in cycling. Held in an all-new airconditioned pavilion, the expo will feature a fully programmed stage for participants to learn from the experts. Comprising a major component of the Tour Village, touch and feel the best technology throughout the entire festival. Opening hours: Friday, January 13: 4pm-7pm Daily, January 14-21: 3pm-7pm

For the first time in Santos Tour Down Under history, women’s and men’s teams will be showcased side-by-side in the Team Zone. This is where the UCI Professional teams and riders will set up base during the Tour. Go behind the scenes to watch the mechanics work, spot your favourite rider or attend a signing. It’s great access and a great opportunity in the Tour Village that’s open after each stage.

Tour Down Under 2023: The Route

The UCI World Tour kicks into gear with a flat prologue of 5.5 kilometres in the streets of Adelaide before the 1st stage is likely to see a sprint finish in Tanunda. Stage 2 takes in two climbs – the first of which measures 2.5 kilometres at 6.8% – inside the last 20 kilometres.

Stage 3 features 2,442 vertical metres in just 118.5 kilometres. The renowned Corkscrew climb – 2.3 kilometres at 9.2% – marks the finale before a technical downhill finish into Campbelltown. It’s back to the fast men on stage 4 , while Tour Down Under is to be decided on the final day of action. Starting in Unley and finishing on Mount Lofty, stage 5 takes in an elevation gain of 3,131 metres and a punchy uphill finish.

Tour Down Under 2023: routes, profiles, more

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Tour Down Under stage 1 live coverage

Sprinters queue up for time bonuses on fast stage around Tanunda

Tour Down Under results and news Tour Down Under preview How to watch the Tour Down Under – live streaming

Welcome to Cyclingnews' live coverage of stage 1 of the Tour Down Under, a 149km stage around Tanunda. The stage starts at 11:30am local time or 2:00am CET and 8pm EST and finishes roughly four hours later.

We're just moments away from the start of Stage 1 of the Santos Tour Down Under. At 150km, today's stage is the second longest of this year's edition and will be one slated for the sprinters. 

Today's stage starts and finishes in Tanunda and 139 riders are rolling through the neutral at the moment. The big crowds in Tanunda will see the peloton fly by four times. 

It looks like race director, Stuart O'Grady, is slowing down the peloton due to a rider receiving help for a mechanical. Once the rider is back in the bunch, the former sprinter will drop the red flag to indicate the official start. 

And we have our first attack coming from the Australian champion Luke Plapp.

But Plapp is reabsorbed and there's a counter from Taco van der Hoorn (Intermarche).

But that move was also brought back and it's all together at the moment. The sprinters' teams are policing the front, along with EF Education First who are protecting their race leader, Alberto Bettiol. 

The weather is an unusual sight for the so often hot TDU, with riders setting off in mild overcast conditions and a forecast top of just 24 degrees in Adelaide. Those stocking sales might not peak as much as normal in Adelaide this year, with riders unlikely to be as quick to reach for the ice packed hosiery to keep them cool. 

Nans Peters (AG2R) has taken off up the road, but no one seems keen to join him. 

Lots of chatting in the main bunch at this point in the race. No one team is leading the bunch. 

The peloton is approaching 127km to go, with Nans Peters up the road for AG2R. 

Caleb Ewan has dropped back to his team car. It looks like he is thinking about changing to his spare bike. 

Peters already has a 2'45" advantage on the peloton with 122km to go. 

The reports are that Peters is edging an advantage up to five minutes at this point. EF Education First have come to the front to manage this time gap. 

It looks like there's a small pileup toward the back of the peloton with Phil Bauhaus involved. He's up and moving again. 

The peloton isn't going full flight at the moment, so the riders caught up in this crash don't have to panic. There's still 116km to go. 

Nans Peters (AG2R) is off the front with a 4'20 second advantage on the peloton. 

110 km to go

The riders are flying toward the finish line in Tanunda for the first time.

Nans Peters will of course be the first back into town. He's about 4'15" ahead of the peloton. 

EF Education First are still at the front, but other teams are starting to fall in line besides them to try and pick up the second and third place in the first ZipTrack intermediate sprint. 

Bettiol is contesting this, but he's caught back a little way. Israel Premier Tech is in control of the front.

Peters picked up the 3 points and three bonus seconds, and back in the peloton, Michael Matthews outsprinted Ethan Hayter for second. 

EF Education First is back on the front after the excitement of the first intermediate sprint. 

100km to go

With 100km to go, the gap to Peters is down to 2 minutes after the speeds going into Tanunda. 

It's been reported that Paddy Bevin (Bora Hansgrohe) had to abandon the race following some injuries he sustained a couple of days ago. 

The gap keeps dropping down for Peters, who at one point had a lead of almost five minutes. It's now sitting inside two minutes with just 1.5km to go before the base of the KOM climb. 

And of course, Peters gets the max KOM points the first time over Menglers Hill (Cat. 4). 

82 km to go

Peters has his head down as he goes across the finish line once again. That's the third time through Tanunda. He takes a bidon since there are no intermediate sprint opportunities this lap. Next lap will be the second and final intermediate sprint. 

With 75km to go, the gap is looking very slender to Peters. It looks like they'll have the French rider back by the time they come back around for the intermediate sprint. 

Today's pre-race favourite, Caleb Ewan (AUS) has his Australian National team all around him. 

The young 20-year-old American, Magnus Sheffield (Ineos), is currently in the best young rider jersey after yesterday's prologue.

James Moriaty (Australia National Team) is leading the peloton for the team's sprinter, and possible stage winner, Caleb Ewan. 

Now Israel - Premier Tech are leading the charge with Chris Froome at the front. However, Peters has nosed out a bit more time, and now sits at 1'37."

There are still two circuits to come, and the gap is down to 40 seconds. EF Education First has done most of the work in bringing Peters' time down to within striking distance. 

And there's a crash toward the back of the peloton. It affected about 6 riders, and the race isn't hanging around. The peloton is setting up for the intermediate sprint, so it's going to be a challenge to catch back on.

It's all together and the bunch is still about a kilometre away from the intermediate, but already the elbows are flying as the teams get their sprinters in position.

Corbin Strong (Israel Premier Tech) takes the max points in the intermediate sprint ahead of Michael Matthews, who takes two bonus seconds, and Ethan Hayer gets one. 

Italian Mattia Cattaneo and James Knox (GBR) of Team Soudal Quick-Step have a chat earlier in the stage. We have less than 50km left in the stage. 

Jumbo Visma is starting to organise their train behind EF Education First. 

The peloton has calmed a bit now before preparing for the final opportunity to get points at the KOM. The current leader in that competition is Peters, who got the max points earlier in the race. 

Peters is working his way up through the peloton, despite spending the majority of the stage off the front. He's going to give it a go on this climb. 

Menglers Hill (Cat. 4) is 3.6km long, and averages 3.6 percent. However it does get as steep as 13 percent in places. 

And Nans Peters (AG2R) goes on the attack! But he's tracked down by a small group that includes Leo Hayter. 

Peters is giving it his all toward the top, but it looks like Alessandro Covi (UAE) will take the max points ahead of Lucas Plapp (Ineos). That puts Plapp in the jersey at the end of the stage. 

The peloton passes through Menglers Hill (446m) after the final KOM. Just 30 km remaining in today's stage.

We're heading back into Tanunda and soon the peloton will be on their final lap. EF Education First is still on the front.

They hear the bell for the final lap - 25km to go!

Another crash - this time it's three Jumbo Visma riders and one AG2R rider. 

Robert Gesnik was one of the riders who went down in that fall, and he's told his two teammates not to wait for him. 

The sprinters are making their way up through the peloton. Phil Bauhaus and Caleb Ewan are amongst them.

But they still have one more time up Menglers Hill, and Jumbo Visma are at the front ready to make it as hard as possible. 

Israel Premier Tech is on the left for Corbin Strong, who revealed his form during the second intermediate sprint. We're getting closer to the sprint, just 14km to go. 

Bahrain Victorious is also lined up for Phil Bauhaus, who has a crash early on in the stage. 

And Matthews is also up there with his team. He's on the hunt for the ochre jersey as well as a stage win. Ewan, however, is surfing around teams without any teammates. 

It's getting down to crunch time as the sprinters start to jostle. 

The peloton is swirling around as they reach the flamme rouge. It's anyone's guess who will take this sprint. There isn't much cohesion from any one team.

There's a crash in the middle of the bunch which has stopped many riders. 

And it's a win for Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious)! 

Caleb Ewan (AUS) was second, and Michael Matthews (Jayco-Alula) claimed third. Alberto Bettiol (EF Education First) will stay in the ochre jersey heading into stage 3. 

Phil Bauhaus wins stage 1 of the Santos Tour Down Under. Alberto Bettiol retains his lead in the ochre leaders jersey. 

In that late crash right before the line, third place Magnus Sheffield (Ineos) went down and sustained cuts on both knees. He didn't go to the podium for best young rider, but seemed okay after medical treatment.

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Tour Down Under Men Route, Stages and Results 2023

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Your guide to the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under

All the action of the 2024 santos tour down under.

The Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) is the largest cycling event in the southern hemisphere and the first on the elite international Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) WorldTour calendar each year. This means the race represents the highest level of international cycling competition and attracts the best cyclists in the world. The greats – both men and women – will once again descend on Adelaide from 12-21 January 2024, to battle it out on roads through the city and surrounding regions in front of massive, cheering crowds.

It’s not just about the pro-racing though. The TDU features a range of related activities, participation rides, community celebrations and live entertainment. Basically, it’s a massive party across South Australia that everyone can enjoy – even people who are a bit wobbly on a bike.

A word from a cycling legend

Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady OAM says no other race in the world compares to the “unbeatable” TDU. He should know, since he’s competed in most of them and won twice, including the inaugural race in 1999. Born in Adelaide, this home-grown hero won a gold medal in cycling at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games before going on to compete in the Tour de France 17 times – finishing second overall four times.

Stuart – who designs new TDU race routes each year – says the 2024 routes will test the elite international cyclists like never before. “South Australian events have been bigger and better than ever this year,” he says. “We look forward to continuing the momentum into 2024 with the Santos Tour Down Under,” he says.

The new race format will see women’s racing held on the first weekend to enable even more South Australians to get out and see elite cyclists in action. This follows 2023’s coup when the TDU became the first women’s race in the southern hemisphere to become a UCI Women’s WorldTour event – the highest level of cycling competition.

The economic impact

The elite level of the TDU race, combined with its huge festival of associated events, means it’s a key economic driver for the state’s tourism industry.

Last year was a bumper one for South Australian tourism, with visitors spending more than ever before. As one of our state’s biggest events, the TDU has contributed to this record spend, with the 2023 event creating 776 full-time jobs and injecting $66.5 million into our economy.

A guide to the highlights

Amid all the TDU heat and hype, it can sometimes be hard knowing where to start. Don’t sweat. We’ve pulled together a comprehensive guide to the 2024 TDU highlights.

Men’s and Women’s Road Race

This year, Race Director Stuart O’Grady OAM has designed some exciting new routes, featuring huge climbs, beachside sprints and a street circuit. Cycling fans can enjoy a combined 1116km of action over 10 days through Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula, Barossa, Adelaide Hills and the Riverland.

It’s all free to watch, and our tip is to bag your viewing spot along the race route at least an hour before the race passes through. That way you can relax and be entertained while you wait for the spectacle, mascots and giveaways of the colourful Tour Parade, which passes through 30 minutes ahead of the riders. Race route details and maps  here .

Go premium!

This one’s for the people who appreciate air-conditioned transport and wine tasting with their TDU spectator experience. The ‘Detours’ and ‘Breakaway Zones’ packages are your ticket to exclusive access and gourmet experiences. With VIP seating and meet-and-greets with cycling legends, these curated packages offer the ultimate blend of race action and premium dining. Get closer to the action, the entertainment and the athletes, exploring one of SA’s wine regions along the way. Premium options and bookings  here .

City of Adelaide Tour Village

The free City of Adelaide Tour Village in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga will once again be the TDU festival hub, with 10 days of free fun. There’ll be panel discussions with riders, the race live streamed on the big screen, and a new ‘recovery zone’ for fans to cool off with ice baths, physio and cryotherapy. There’s also the southern hemisphere’s largest bike expo, plus daily knock-off hour drinks and a whole lot of South Australian food vendors serving up tasty treats. More info and the village events calendar  here .

Participation events

If you really want to feel the rush of the TDU, jump on a bike yourself for the best seat in the house. Participation events in 2024 cater for riders of every age and fitness. For recreational cyclists, there are group rides leaving from the tour village daily.

For the more hardcore Lycra-lovers, there’s the Garmin Willunga Hill Time Trial. This pits riders against the clock on 3km of a seriously steep hill climb, famous for its toughness. The new RADL GRVL event, a race partly held on unsealed roads, is another one for the serious athletes. Then there’s the loud, hectic and quirky Oakley Car Park Climb – free to enter and featuring a bar and DJ at the finish. Information about how to join the rides  here .

Councils hosting TDU stage starts and finishes have pulled out all the stops for some epic celebrations in 2024. Jetty Road will come alive with the Glenelg Ice Cream Festival. Live music, street theatre and circus performers will create a carnival atmosphere for the Barossa Loop de Loop party at Tanunda, plus Unley Gala is back, baby! This much-loved event will take over King William Road with food, wine, fashion and live entertainment. Last held in 2020 when it attracted 20,000 visitors, the Unley Gala street party is the longest running event associated with the TDU, generating almost $1 million for the local economy. All the parties’ dates and details  here .

UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup 

In a first for SA, the 2024 TDU’s festival of events will include a round of the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup. More than 300 of the world’s best para-cycling athletes will converge on Adelaide to take part from 13-17 January. For many it’s a vital step on their road to qualify for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Fans will be able to cheer on para-cycling athletes as they compete on the 1.35km TDU Adelaide city track before the event moves to The Bend Motorsport Park near Tailem Bend for two days. More information  here .

For families with up-and-coming cycling superstars to entertain, Saturday 13 January is your day. The program of free fun includes the chance for children to learn new cycling skills (and road safety) from experts, make and enjoy delicious bliss balls, meet their cycling heroes, and get their bikes on the track for the Family Day Ride. There’ll also be face painting, balloon artists, prize giveaways and a poster competition to keep the kids entertained all afternoon at the City of Adelaide Tour Village. More information  here .

Visit the Santos Tour Down Under  website for all the latest news and information.

This story originally appeared on  The Post  -  a media partnership between the Government of South Australia and Solstice Media to inform young South Australians about the policies that underpin issues affecting their lives.

Sportive Breaks

[email protected] .au

Tour Down Under

Santos tour down under approved travel specialist 2025.

The 2025 Santos Tour Down Under is Australia’s biggest cycling event and the first race on the UCI World Tour Calendar. T his 10-day festival of cycling draws elite cycling teams from across the globe to race through the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia each January.  As we wait for the 2025 route to be confirmed, mark your calendar to join us at the end of January. 

We are proud to offer cycling travel packages that allow you to get up close and experience the event with us.  Our Santos Tour Down Under Travel Packages offer you the ideal experience on and off the bike. Take in the race and South Australia as you tour from  the Barossa Valley to McLaren Vale, through Willunga and into the Adelaide Hills for the Mt. Lofty showdown! The routes featured on our cycling tours are designed by our local experts to ensure you enjoy the very best roads and moments on the bike that Adelaide has to offer.

As an Official Approved Travel Specialist , you can be assured knowing we have the access and expertise to offer you the ideal experience. Our packages cater for all, so whether you’re cycling, spectating or looking forward to a mix of both, we  can’t wait to welcome you to Adelaide!

3/5 -->Santos Tour Down Under | Final Weekend Tour

Ride and Watch

3/5 -->Santos Tour Down Under | Full Week Tour

Features of our tour down under travel packages, 2025 tours are strictly limited to 15 riders, secure your spot today.

Choose the tour option that suits your schedule, we offer either a full week experience covering the entire men’s race or a final weekend tour for a long weekend away and the highlights!  O ur packages are perfect for cyclists, cycling fans and spectators alike with daily ride options and experiences for non-riders too. Designed to maximise your experience at the Santos Tour Down Under, both of our feature tours share the same key inclusions:

• Our experienced Adelaide-based guides will support your experience.
• Ride sections of the race route on our cycling tours.
• Rest and rejuvenate at the luxurious 5-star Pullman hotel, the perfect central base and departure point for each day’s ride.
• Mechanical assistance and support vehicles will be with you on every ride providing nutrition to keep you in top condition each day.
• Prime viewing of every stage of the Santos Tour Down Under you join us for!

Final Weekend

Tour down under full week tour, why choose our town down under travel services.

Our Australian team is Adelaide based and can’t wait to share this experience with you, we know the routes and roads like the back of our hands! The routes you’ll be riding on at the TDU are the very same we love training on. We are passionate about cycling and the opportunity to showcase our home city through the travel packages.

Our cycling tours are kept space limited to ensure everyone joining us enjoys a premium experience. Our expert team look forward to welcoming you to Adelaide and guiding you through some of the best experiences in our state (on and off the bike!). 

Read some of our 2024 TDU Final Weekend Tour Reviews Below and see the gallery for some of moments on tour before you reach out to book!

Highlights from Tour Down Under 2024

Fill out the form below to receive our 2024 final weekend itinerary and find out what you're in for on our 2025 tours, meet your ride hosts.

Our passionate and knowledgeable team are here to make your trip memorable. 

Shannon is the trip expert having built Tour Down Under Travel Packages since 2010 he knows exactly what makes a great experience.

Oli  is an ex-mechanic turned ride host. Spending summers in Adelaide racing in between cycle tours has supported Team Australia abroad and travellers for Tour Down Under in 2024.

2023 TDU Highlights

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