SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER January 13 - 21
Take part in the largest cycling race in the Southern Hemisphere.
An action-packed nine days of world-class cycling is just the tip of the iceberg, as the Santos Tour Down Under takes you through picturesque countryside and some of Australia's best wine growing regions. Enjoy it as a spectator or ride parts of the course yourself. There's good reason this race was the first outside of Europe to be included in the prestigious UCI World Tour.
Fast facts
- Where: Adelaide
- When: 13 - 21 January 2018
- Price: $$ - Registration fees from AUD$85
Things to do
Meet the champions
Cadel Evans, Marcel Kittel, Chris Hoy and Andy Schleck are some of the world champions who have taken part in the nine day, nearly 900 kilometre (555 mile) Santos Tour Down Under. In 2017 the world's best will again be on South Australia's doorstop to vie for the leader's ochre jersey. You can rub shoulders with cycling's superstars at the Legends' Night Dinner while taking in the finest food that South Australia has to offer. This year the tour honours cycling's rock star, Slovak legend Peter Sagan.
Take on the course
Think you have what it takes? Why not take part in the Bupa Challenge Tour? Choose between four ride distances on the fourth stage, just hours ahead of the professionals. Distances vary from 30 kilometres (19 miles) to 157 kilometres (98 miles), and you can register as an individual or as part of a team. Participants will be given an exclusive Bupa Challenge Tour jersey to wear during the ride and full mechanical and medical support along the way.
Ride for a reason
Do good while challenging yourself. Ride for a Reason allows you to combine your passion for cycling with a good cause, supporting the Australian Cancer Council to help those affected by cancer. Ride for a Reason team members will raise money in the lead-up to the Challenge Tour, receive an exclusive Ride for a Reason Santini kit and have the chance to win great weekly prizes.
Take part in Family Day
The Santos Tour Down Under offers plenty of activities for the whole family, on and off the track. Family Day takes place over two days on the first and final Sundays of the tour, and includes free entertainment, stunt bike riders and jumping castles. Kids will also love the Bupa Mini Tour, in which children aged six to 12 have the chance to ride on the UCI World Tour track. Or get the whole clan together for the Bupa Family Ride, and ride on the People's Choice Classic circuit just a few hours before the stars do.
See the sights
Wine, food, and fantastic views and experiences are all on Adelaide's doorstep. While you're here take the opportunity to visit the famous Barossa Valley wine country, see the quaint towns of the Adelaide Hills, or head to the beachside on the Fleurieu Peninsula, all about an hour's drive from Adelaide's city centre. Adelaide Sightseeing offers a great range of half and full day tours to see Adelaide and the surrounding regions.
Don't miss
Whether you take part in one of the participation rides, or simply want to cheer on the riders as they fly past, the Santos Tour Down Under gives you the chance discover the best of Adelaide over the course of a few days. There's a reason the city is known for its food and wine, so start your day with a trip to the Adelaide Central Market, the largest market in the Southern Hemisphere, for fresh produce, before perusing the boutiques along Rundle Mall. Don't forget to make it back for the last stage, so you can cheer your heroes on as they ride down Adelaide's King William Street to victory.
How to get there
The Santos Tour Down Under is held in Adelaide city and the surrounding regional areas. The Adelaide stages are easily accessible on foot. For the regional stages take the hassle out of travelling by booking a seat on the spectator coach. The coach leaves the Adelaide Central Bus Station daily and can take you to the start and finish of regional stages 1-5.