Tour Down Under community challenge ride returns to Adelaide Hills for first time since pandemic

Recreational cyclists will face not one but three hill climbs in the return of the Tour Down Under’s hugely popular community challenge ride.

Adelaide Hills roads will be closed so amateur cyclists can tackle three hill climbs in the return of the hugely popular Tour Down Under community challenge ride in January.

Designed by former champion cyclist and TDU race director Stuart O’Grady, the 123.5km ride will include a combination of Norton Summit, Checker Hill and Corkscrew Rd for the first time in the event’s history.

O’Grady, an Olympic gold medallist who competed in the Tour de France 17 times, said he hoped recreational cyclists would relish the challenge after three years of not being able to participate in the TDU because of the pandemic.

Tour Down Under race director Stuart O'Grady with riders Willis Lienert and Libby Young at Norton Summit. Picture: Mark Brake

“It’s new, it’s a challenge,” he said. “Our community asked for a participation ride that celebrated their skill and strength.

“We have done that.”

O’Grady, who regularly tackled the hill climbs during his celebrated competitive career, said he had no doubt they would be accomplished by most amateur riders.

“There’s a lot of recreational riders who will be up to the challenge, especially after being cooped up for the past couple of years,” he said. “It will give them something to put their minds to, set some goals and train for.”

O’Grady said there would be road closures to ensure amateur cyclists could ride without fear of cars or other traffic.

Map of the Challenge Tour for the 2023 Tour Down Under. Picture: SA Tourism Commission

The ride will follow the route of Stage Three of next year’s TDU on January 20, starting at The Parade at Norwood and finishing at Campbelltown.

Recreational riders will leave earlier than their professional counterparts.

Next year’s TDU runs from January 13-22.

Adelaide cyclist and Onyva Racing team member Willis Lienert, 18, said he was excited about the return of the newly named Challenge Tour, previously known as the Bupa Challenge.

“I think it’s great,” he said.

“In the past couple of years with Covid there haven’t been many world tour level cyclists coming to Australia.”

Leinert said the Challenge Tour route undoubtedly would test participants.

“Norton Summit and Corkscrew are some of the most popular and most renowned climbs in Adelaide,” he said. “Getting up Corkscrew will be a challenge for a lot of people – it’s quite a steep climb.”

ICU nurse and keen cyclist Libby Young, 39, said she was looking forward to the Challenge Tour.

“The ride is going to be a good challenge for people who want to test their climbing skills,” she said.

“The closed roads will give everyone an opportunity to feel safe in an inclusive environment, riding together.

“It’s going to be great. I think everyone should have a go.”

Tour Down Under race director Stuart O'Grady with cyclists Willis Lienert and Libby Young at Norton Summit. Picture: Mark Brake

Sport Minister Katrine Hildyard said the government was looking forward to seeing Challenge Tour participants conquer the Adelaide Hills roads.

“Adventure is ahead for the recreational riders taking part,” she said.

“They will enjoy the buzz of this celebrated event, the thrill of crossing the finish line and all of the mental, social and physical health and wellbeing benefits that come with being involved.”

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the Santos Tour Down Under was set to make a bold return after last taking place in 2020.

“It’s always exciting to see cycling fans lining stage routes and cheering on the professional peloton,” she said.

“We know how much amateur riders love being in the spotlight too.

“The Challenge Tour provides another incentive to visit South Australia and experience all the excitement of the Santos Tour Down Under from a unique perspective.”