Down Under Classic and Stage 4 of Women’s Tour to start and finish in the heart of the CBD

The Adelaide CBD will come alive in January when the Tour Down Under’s opening night classic and Stage 4 of the women’s tour comes into the heart of the city for the first time.

The Santos Tour Down Under’s opening night criterium is moving into the heart of the CBD for the first time and will start and finish at the tour village in Victoria Square in January.

The Down Under Classic, which follows Stage 4 of the Santos Women’s Tour, will start on Flinders Street and take riders on a 1.7km circuit including the eastern side of King William Road and along Angas, Pulteney and Wakefield Streets on Sunday, January 19.

The traditional home for the opening night criterium or Stage 1 of the TDU has been the city’s east end but it has also been held in Glenelg and on Hutt Street.

But this year’s crowd around Rymill Park was the smallest in memory after it started at 4.45pm - nearly three hours earlier than normal - on a hot afternoon and was shown live on TV.

Australian sprint star Caleb Ewan at Victoria Square in Adelaide ahead of the 2019 Tour Down Under. Picture: Tom Huntley

Sports Minister Corey Wingard said the move into the CBD was designed to keep the race “fresh” for riders and fans as well as spread the economic love throughout the city for cafes, pubs and restaurants.

“Sunday’s racing will bring an action-packed day to the CBD, ending the Santos Women’s Tour Down Under and kicking off the men’s Santos Tour Down Under,” Mr Wingard said.

“Huge crowds are anticipated, with the tour village the central hub for cycling enthusiasts, fans and families over the course of the (race).

“Restaurants and cafes surrounding the CBD area, particularly on Gouger Street will be showcased to thousands of eager fans, helping businesses share in the well over $60 million of economic benefit the TDU brings each year.”

Post-race presentations will also be held in the tour village.

TDU race director Mike Turtur said the criterium circuit would again be perfectly suited for the sprinters and spectators.

“We’ve designed stages that are not only challenging but offer great vantage points and entertainment for spectators,” he said.

“This route change will enable spectators to easily access the City of Adelaide Tour Village, further building on the great atmosphere that is the TDU.”

Women’s TDU race director Kimberley Conte said there would be more sprint points up for grabs on Stage 4 than any other in the race which would make for a thrilling finale.

“The overall general classification rider will have to remain attentive with her team, staying out of harm’s way throughout the stage,” Conte said.

“It’s an extreme way of finishing a four-day race as the stage is short, fast and dynamic, with no room for error.”

The full race route for the men’s and women’s TDU will be revealed on Thursday, July 18.

RACE MAP — THE TDU

RACE MAP — THE WTDU

Originally published as Down Under Classic and Stage 4 of Women’s Tour to start and finish in the heart of the CBD