Santos Tour Down Under, stage by stage, maps, video highlights
THE field for the 20th edition of the Santos Tour Down Under is as good as anything ever assembled in Adelaide. See our maps and video highlights for all the stages and the best spots to watch all the action.
THE field for the 20th edition of the Santos Tour Down Under is as good as anything ever assembled in Adelaide and the depth is such that it’s a line-ball call whether the sprinters outdo the all-rounders.
In one corner are the fast men - led by three-times reigning world champion Peter Sagan, who returns for the second year in a row.
The Slovakian superstar is set to go head-to-head with 21-times Grand Tour stage winner Andre Greipel, Australian sensation Caleb Ewan and Italian Olympic omnium champion Elia Viviani and his compatriot Giacomo Nizzolo.
In the other corner are the general classification riders - the climbers and all-rounders who will be eyeing off Willunga Hill.
Headlining that world-class group is the TDU’s defending champion Richie Porte who leads the strongest team the race has ever seen with four-times winner Simon Gerrans and 2015 champion Rohan Dennis by his side. Add to that last year’s national champion Miles Scotson and BMC will start red-hot favourites to claim the ochre jersey.
The Mitchelton-Scott team will include another Australian star with Paris-Roubaix winner Mathew Hayman on the start line.
Three international riders who are capable of producing anything on their day and could pose a threat to the GC are Belgian Thomas De Gendt, Italian Diego Ulissi and Portuguese former world champion Rui Costa.
But most eyes will be on Porte and Sagan who race director Mike Turtur described as two of the best riders, most popular personalities and straight shooters in the peloton.
“It’s always good to have the defending champion here but even more so this year because of what happened to him at the Tour (de France) last year,” Turtur said of Porte.
“He’s had two enormous crashes the past two years with the Tour and Olympics, so it will be interesting to see how he goes coming back from those.
“Richie is very popular with the public because he’s such a likeable person off the bike, plus the way he races and certainly his efforts on Willunga in recent years has won a lot of people over.
“What you see with Richie is what you get, and he’s a lot like Peter Sagan in that way.
“Nothing he says is orchestrated or managed, he says it as it is and if he has an opinion he will express it and people like that.”
Turtur has made one notable change to this year’s race - introducing back-to-back hill
stages with a new finish after Norton Summit at Uraidla on Friday followed by Old Willunga Hill on Saturday.
“I suspect that come Uraidla we might have a maximum of 10 riders at the finish,” Turtur said.
“After the Subaru KOM there will be a counter attack situation for those guys who have got the legs.
“Then that group at the finish will line up the next day and do it all again up Willunga.”
PEOPLE’S CHOICE CLASSIC
Adelaide Circuit
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Start: 7.15pm
Finish: 8.15pm
Race Distance: Adelaide 50.6km
TV: FULL REPLAY at 9.30pm on 9GEM
Stage Description
The People’s Choice Classic is the perfect opportunity to see the world’s best cyclists test their skills in the East End of Adelaide. Held on the streets of Adelaide, this closed-circuit road race is a preview to the Santos Tour Down Under and sets the tone for the week ahead.
Breakaway at the People’s Choice Classic
● Cheer on out elite women as they tackle the People’s Choice Classic Circuit for their Stage 4 finale of the Santos Women’s Tour Down Under.
● Family Day is back in the city and will feature plenty of free trackside fun for the entire family.
● Everyone can be a part of the Bupa Family Ride, whether your little one is riding in a
child seat, bike trailer or on their own two wheels. You’ll be able to complete laps of
the circuit just hours before the world’s best.
● You won’t want to miss the People’s Choice Undies Run – walk or run the 2.3km circuit and help save lives by increasing awareness of bowel cancer screening.
● All the action takes part in central Adelaide, with great bars and restaurants at your fingertips.
STAGE 1
Port Adelaide to Lyndoch
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Start: 11am Port Adelaide
Finish: 2.41pm Lyndoch
Race Distance: 145km
TV: 11.30am – 3pm LIVE on NINE and streamed on 9now. Highlights at 11pm on 9GEM
Stage Description
Historic Port Adelaide will be the setting for the start of Stage 1 of the Santos Tour Down Under. This is the first time the race has returned to Port Adelaide since the inaugural event in 1999. The cyclists will ride north along the Port River Expressway and out to the Barossa, taking in scenic views of pastures and vineyards on their way to the finish arch in Lyndoch.
Breakaway on Stage 1
● Only 14 kilometres from the city, Port Adelaide is fast becoming an upbeat cultural hub with great eateries and an artistic, underground feel. Celebrate at the Peloton at the Port celebrations.
● Spend the day at the cooler end of the Barossa and wait to cheer on your cycling heroes at the Forest to Vines event. Cheer a little louder for all the kids riding in the first ever regional Bupa mini tour for kids.
● Head to the Unley Gourmet Gala for food, wine, fashion and cycling ahead of the Stage 2 start in this location on Wednesday.
● The Whispering Wall is a famous stop for visitors in the Barossa Reservoir Park and is just a short distance away from the race route.
● After the race you can take the kids to the St Kilda Adventure Playground where they can jump around wooden castles, fly the flying fox and slide down the slippery dips.
● Cheer on Australian cycling legends Stuart O’Grady, Robbie McEwen, Phil Anderson, Michael Rogers and others as they race head to head on a virtual replica of the Willunga Hill race route with VirtuGo from 6.30 pm in the City of Adelaide Tour Village.
STAGE 2
Unley to Stirling
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Start: 11am Unley
Finish: 3.11pm Stirling
Race Distance: 148.6km
TV: 11.30am – 3.30pm LIVE on NINE and streamed on 9now. Highlights at 11pm on 9GEM
Stage Description
Metropolitan Unley will be the setting of the start of Stage 2 of the Santos Tour Down Under. The peloton will travel from Unley through to the Adelaide Hills, making three laps of the leafy town of Stirling before the race finish on Mount Barker Road.
Breakaway on Stage 2
● You will find some fabulous shopping spots along the start of Stage 2 with an array of exclusive boutiques along King William Road.
● Stirling Spin gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the local cafes, providores and markets in the Adelaide Hills.
● If you want to amuse the kids, take them to see native animals at the Gorge Wildlife Park at Cudlee Creek.
● After the race you can grab a local craft brew or wine and relax by the fireplace at the recently renovated hotel Uraidla Hotel set inside a beautifully converted Adelaide Hills church.
● Enjoy an evening of beachside fun with food and entertainment at the Glenelg Tour Street Party.
● From 6.00 pm cheer on your fave barista at the Grinders Coffee Roasters Latte Art Tournament in the City of Adelaide Tour Village
STAGE 3
Glenelg to Victor Harbor
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Start: 11am Glenelg
Finish: 2.53pm Victor Harbor
Race Distance: 146.5 km
TV: 11.30am – 3.30pm LIVE on NINE and streamed on 9now. Highlights at 11.00 pm on 9GEM
Stage Description
The beachside suburb of Glenelg will be in the spotlight for this varied stage which sees the peloton travel through the Fleurieu Peninsula and McLaren Vale. The riders will take on Pennys Hill Road for the Subaru King of the Mountain points before the three-lap finishing circuit around Victor Harbor.
Breakaway on Stage 3
● Start the day by catching the tram from Adelaide’s city centre to beachside Glenelg for the race start and find yourself spoilt for choice of cafes around Moseley Square and along the Marina.
● Join in the magic of a fun filled day in seaside Victor Harbor. There’ll be something for everyone, with the magnificent Rotary Art Show on Warland Reserve, family fun activities in the Main Street Precinct, and amusement rides on the foreshore!
● Cheer for the families riding the first ever regional Bupa family ride.
● Head to the City of Adelaide Tour Village at 7.00 pm for an 8.30 pm outdoor screening of Cycling Tips presents Cinema Velo - Movie: All for One screening.
● Once racing finishes head to The Parade for the Norwood on Tour street party. This free outdoor event will feature an impressive line-up of live entertainment.
BUPA STAGE 4
Norwood to Uraidla
Friday, January 19, 2018
Start: 11.30am Norwood
Finish: 3pm Uraidla
Race Distance: 128.2km
TV: 11.30am – 3.30pm LIVE on 9GEM and streamed on 9now. Highlights at 11pm on 9GEM
Stage Description
Cycling enthusiasts will put their skills to the test from Norwood to Uraidla on the Bupa Challenge Tour presented by The Advertiser, just hours before the professionals tackle the stage. Riders will take on the famous Norton Summit for the Subaru King of the Mountain before riding uphill into Uraidla for the finish arch.
Breakaway on Stage 4
● Wake up with an artisan crafted Grinders coffee at the award-winning Sfizio Café in Norwood.
● Bupa Challenge Tour day! Pull on your jersey and line up with thousands of like minded cyclists for a ride to remember.
● A little off the Bupa Stage 4 route you’ll find the Beerenberg family farm – strawberry picking. Soak in some vitamin D and feast on the sweet fruits of your labour. Our tip: booking may be required so check it out online before you go.
● Explore the vibrant and thriving community of Uraidla. Local produce, entertainment and the unique flavours of the Adelaide Hills will be centre stage throughout the day as the Bupa Challenge Tour leads the pro riders down the sweeping main street of this picturesque town.
● Australia’s biggest party – the Hit107 Old School House Party - is set to celebrate an amazing day on the race back in the City of Adelaide Tour Village, bring your dancing shoes!
STAGE 5
McLaren Vale to Willunga
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Start: 11.10am McLaren Vale
Finish: 2.58pm Willunga
Race Distance: 151.5km
TV: 10.30am – 3.30pm LIVE on NINE and streamed on 9NOW. Highlights at 11pm on 9GEM
Stage Description
Stage 5 is a favourite for the spectators and is heralded as the ‘Queen’ stage of the Santos Tour Down Under - and 2018 will be no different. The day will start in McLaren Vale, famous for its winemaking. The town is always in party mode during the race, with the peloton headed for the iconic Willunga Hill.
Fans flock roadside to cheer on their heroes in what is often the deciding stage of the Santos Tour Down Under.
Breakaway on Stage 5
● Just over one hour’s drive from Adelaide, McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula is a popular wine region with more than 70 cellar doors at your fingertips.
● You can jump on a bike and follow the Shiraz Trail or enjoy a long lunch along the famous McMurtrie Mile wine strip and take in some of the local artists’ fine work.
● Visit The Cube at d’Arenberg winery, part cellar door, part restaurant, part modern art gallery, and every corner of it wildly inventive.
● Join the Peloton Picnic on High Street in Willunga. Bring a picnic rug and claim your spot, trackside! Big screen coverage of the race, food and beverages available and activities for the whole family!
● Head along to the Cinema among the Vines and Twilight Market held at the Visitor Information Centre in McLaren Vale after Stage 5 of the 2018 Santos Tour Down Under!
● With live music, light meals & bar facilities available why not stay around after the race and enjoy the hospitality.
BE SAFE BE SEEN MAC STAGE 6
Adelaide street circuit
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Start: 1.30pm
Finish: 3.30pm
Race Distance: 90km
TV: 1pm – 4pm LIVE on 9GEM AND streamed ON 9NOW. Highlights at 11pm on 9GEM
Stage Description
The final stage of the Santos Tour Down Under in 2018 will see the peloton race through the streets of Adelaide on this fast-paced 4.5km circuit. Touching the tip of the City of Adelaide Tour Village and starting and finishing by Elder Park on the banks of the River Torrens, there are plenty of great vantage points to catch the riders fly past.
Make sure you’re there road-side to see the first winner of the 2018 UCI WorldTour season is crowned.
Breakaway on Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6
● Get involved in the cycling action with the free Family Day activities being held trackside next to the start/finish straight on King William Road or sign the kids up for the Bupa mini tour for kids.
● You will find the city’s biggest and most popular shopping precinct is Rundle Mall with more than 700 retailers in one convenient pedestrian-friendly strip.
● Watch all the racing action live on the big screen from the City of Adelaide Tour Village from the bar.
● Take a tour take or brave the ‘Adelaide Oval Roof Climb adventure’ at Adelaide Oval, and experience its 140-year history.
● Drop by the Adelaide Zoo to say g’day to panda’s Wang Wang and Funi.
*All start and finish times subject to change due to television broadcast and are correct at the time of print.