The Santos Tour Down Under 2024 is set to be a grand affair, with a rich program that promises to be a treat for cycling enthusiasts, foodies, and families alike.
The festival’s program, unveiled today, promises a delightful mix of South Australian culture, expert cycling insights, and wholesome family entertainment.
The festivities will stretch beyond Adelaide’s city limits, with the return of the iconic street party, the Unley Gala, scheduled for Saturday, 20 January. This event – the longest-running associated with the Santos Tour Down Under – will set the stage for the Schwalbe Men’s Stage 6 race that kicks off the next morning.
Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga will once again host the City of Adelaide Tour Village, the festival’s central hub. Here, fans can engage in panel discussions with cycling experts, watch the race live on a massive screen, and even rejuvenate themselves in the newly introduced ‘recovery zone’ equipped with ice baths, physiotherapy, and localized cryotherapy.
The culinary offerings are set to be a major draw, with patrons being treated to daily drinks courtesy of Hahn and Seppeltsfield wines. Food enthusiasts can indulge in delicacies from renowned South Australian vendors like Pellegrino Pizzeria, Rik’s Grill, and Moi An Vietnamese Street Food.
Family entertainment is a key focus of the 10-day festival. The Family Day on 13 January promises a slew of activities, including a special ride for kids aged 12 and below, interactive stations, and even a book signing session with Olympic athlete and BMX champion, Caroline Buchanan.
South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said the Santos Tour Down Under and associated festival program generated significant economic return for the state’s economy.
“Building on the momentum of the 2023 event, the Santos Tour Down Under will once again drive visitors to our city and surrounding regions, boosting our leisure and business sectors,” Minister Bettison said.
“This year has been a bumper year for tourism in South Australia with record-high visitor expenditure. The Santos Tour Down Under is one of our state’s world-class major events contributing to this record spend, with the 2023 event creating 776 full-time jobs and injecting $66.5 million into our economy.
“This event is a world class cycling race, but the festival that supports it, is what makes the Santos Tour Down Under a unique visitor experience.
“The Santos Tour Down Under has something for everyone, from cycling fans to those who are looking to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the festival atmosphere, there is nowhere else in Australia to be this January.”
Cycling aficionados can look forward to exclusive access to WorldTour teams, a chance to interact with their favorite cyclists, and even witness the mechanics at work. Additionally, the City of Adelaide Tour Village will host the southern hemisphere’s most extensive bike expo, showcasing cutting-edge cycling technology and brands.
City of Unley Mayor Michael Hewitson AM said they were thrilled to bring the popular Unley Gala back to King William Road in 2024, after a four-year break.
“The Unley Gala is a fabulous opportunity for Unley retailers and restaurants to showcase some of Adelaide’s finest fashion, food and music to tens of thousands of revellers at this much-loved summer street party,” Mr Hewitson said.
“In keeping with our 20-year tradition of staging this spectacular summer street party, the Unley Gala will have something for all ages, from stellar live music performances to fashion parades, roving performers and children’s entertainment.”
The festival will also feature other community-centric events like the Glenelg Ice Cream Festival, the Sandbar at Christies Beach, and various events across Adelaide’s regions, aligning with the race’s stage starts and finishes.
Tickets for the family ride and the Oakley Car Park Climb are currently available for purchase.
Santos Tour Down Under 2024
When: 12-21 January
For more information, and to book, click here.
More News
