The City of Onkaparinga will again host to the southern hemisphere’s biggest cycling race in 2027, with the Santos Tour Down Under heading south on Saturday 23 January.
Race Day 5 will encompass both the Men’s Stage 5 and the Women’s Stage 2 of the iconic race, with both the men and women making their way along a brand-new 116.4km route from Christies Beach to Willunga Hill.
The 2027 Santos Tour Down Under (16–24 January) will make history as the first WorldTour race to hold men’s and women’s stages on the same course on the same day and over the same distance.
Santos Tour Down Under Race Director, Stuart O’Grady, “Christies Beach is always a beautiful place to start and the new boardwalk there is a highlight”, when it came to Onkaparinga’s Race Day 5.
“Next year, the race goes up Coxs Hill Road, which has never been included in the TDU before, and the peloton will wind its way through Clarendon, Chandlers Hill and past the d’Arenberg Cube, which is where things get very different to what we’ve done before,” he said.
“The race will go in an anticlockwise direction through Aldinga, Port Willunga and Snapper Point, and instead of racing straight up Aldinga Road, will head back inland through the vineyards and to the back of Willunga Hill.
“So, there will be a different approach to the first ascension of Willunga Hill, making it even more exciting to what we’ve done before.
“Willunga is the most popular climb we have in the TDU. Unfortunately, it missed out this year when we were planning 3 ascensions, but next year the fans will get 4 – 2 male and 2 female – on the same day.
“It’s a relatively short stage but should be super-fast and dynamic.”
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the race’s return down south was a coup for visitors, businesses and residents alike, and an opportunity to showcase the region on the world stage.
“We’ve partnered with the Tour Down Under every year since its inception in 1999, and we’re looking forward to seeing the world’s best, packed roadside crowds and thriving businesses yet again,” she said.
“We’ll be focusing on supporting businesses to capitalise on the influx of cycling fans and visitors across both races, who we’ll encourage to come for the cycling and stay for the weekend.
“We also encourage our community to make the most of this world-class event in their own backyard.
“With the world-class McLaren Vale wine region, exceptional food offerings, 31 kilometres of stunning coastline, and unique townships all within easy reach, we have everything you need to extend your experience well beyond the finish line.”
For more information on Onkaparinga’s stages, visit the Santos Tour Down Under website.
To stay up to date with other local information – including associated events and road closures – visit the council’s website.