Australia • Stage Race
The Santos Tour Down Under kicks off the UCI WorldTour season under the scorching Australian sun, challenging riders through South Australia's diverse and demanding landscapes. It's a vibrant festival atmosphere where the peloton battles iconic climbs like Willunga Hill, pushing limits as they chase the distinctive ochre jersey, a symbol of triumph unique to the Australian outback.
Total Editions
1
Latest Winner
TBD
First Edition
2025
Total Distance
818 km
The Santos Tour Down Under features a diverse parcours ranging from flat, fast sprint stages along coastal roads to undulating terrain through world-famous wine regions like the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. The race's defining challenges lie in the brutal ascents of the Adelaide Hills, particularly the iconic Willunga Hill, known for its multiple punishing ascents (around 3.6km at 7-7.5% average gradient with maximums up to 11%), and the steep, technical Corkscrew Road (approx. 2.4km at 9.1-9.7% average with gradients up to 16.2%). The intense Australian summer heat in January is a constant battle for the peloton, testing riders' early-season form and endurance. Signature features include its status as the UCI WorldTour opener, the unique ochre leader's jersey, and a vibrant festival atmosphere that engulfs South Australia.
First edition of the race was held and won by local rider Stuart O'Grady.
The general classification leader's yellow jersey was replaced by the iconic ochre-coloured jersey.
Became the first event outside Europe to be granted UCI ProTour (now WorldTour) status.
The Women's Tour Down Under was officially founded.
The Women's Tour Down Under joined the UCI Women's WorldTour.