South Australia is setting the stage, preparing for the prestigious and much-anticipated Santos Tour Down Under to cycle into town early next year. This thrilling 10-day festival kicks off from January 16th to 25th, 2026, and is an event that captivates audiences and cycling enthusiasts year after year. In 2026, the event will see updates to the race format, including a range of activities and competitive stages designed to showcase the state’s scenic beauty and show off the cycling talent involved.
The festivities will begin with a team presentation in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga on January 16th. The event then dives into the competition with the women’s race spanning January 17th to 19th, which will cover more distance than in previous editions. The men’s race follows from January 20th to 25th, featuring a new and improved format.
A major highlight and historic first for the Tour Down Under is the participation of all 15 women’s WorldTeams. This is to be joined by the relaunch of an inner-city men’s prologue, last seen in 2023, which will stir excitement with a time trial-style competition beginning outside the City of Adelaide Tour Village. The 3.6km route will include key city landmarks, ending dramatically at Victoria Park’s heritage grandstand.
The racing will not only be confined to Adelaide City but also extend through South Australia’s celebrated regions like the Barossa and Fleurieu Peninsula. This year’s race route includes multiple uphill routes and the introduction of thrilling rounds on Willunga Hill, which are sure to be game-changers in the men’s race.
Included in the 2026 event will be favourites like the Adelaide Epic, RADL GRVL, and the Health Partners Family Ride, in addition to the City of Adelaide Tour Village and Bike Expo.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison, shared, “Earlier this year we celebrated the event’s 25th birthday which saw approximately 807,900 people attending the event, helping generate $62.5 million for the state’s economy. Now we want to take that momentum into next year where once again the eyes of the world will be on South Australia for 10 days when we host the biggest bike race in the southern hemisphere.”
Race Director Stuart O’Grady also shared, “Next year’s race routes look like the most exciting we’ve ever had, based on a number of changes we believe will make for more entertaining racing.
“Feedback from men’s teams was they wanted a more attacking race, so we have brought the prologue back which creates an opportunity for riders targeting the ochre jersey to take time from the very first day.
“And I’m sure the atmosphere from the city to Victoria Park will rival any time trial anywhere in the world.”
The 2026 Santos Tour Down Under is set to redefine racing benchmarks and offer unmatched cycling competition.
Features of the 2026 women’s race include:
- The first time all 15 WorldTeams are set to be on the start line, racing the longest ever women’s TDU at 395km.
- A 137km opening stage starting and finishing in Willunga and taking in Port Willunga, McLaren Vale and Aldinga.
- For the first time in history, the peloton will race up the Corkscrew climb twice on a thrilling last day on Hyundai Stage 3.
- Fan-friendly locations Norwood and Magill on the city fringe and picturesque Willunga to host stage starts for the first time.
Features of the 2026 men’s race include:
- A 3.6km twilight prologue taking riders from the heart of the CBD to Victoria Park.
- Idyllic seaside suburb Henley Beach hosting a stage start and the Mount Barker Council town of Nairne hosting a stage finish – both for the first time.
- Two ascensions of the fan-friendly Corkscrew on Health Partners Stage 2.
- Riders tackling the iconic Willunga Hill climb three times on the queen stage and penultimate day.
- A thrilling finale in Stirling with the last stage to test the peloton over eight laps of an undulating 21km circuit.
Santos Tour Down Under
When: January 16th to 25th, 2026,
Where: Across South Australia
For more information, click here.
