The world’s best cyclists will again descend on Onkaparinga for the 2025 Santos Tour Down Under, marking 25 years of both the iconic race and the council’s involvement.
The southern hemisphere’s premier cycling race will launch the international season and the UCI WorldTour and Women’s WorldTour from 17–26 January, with the City of Onkaparinga to host three key stages:
- the Ziptrack® Women’s Stage 1 finish at Aldinga on Friday 17 January
- the Health Partners Women’s Stage 2 finish at Willunga Hill on Saturday 18 January
- THINK! Road Safety Men’s Stage 5 from McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill on Saturday 25 January.
Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the 25th anniversary was a huge milestone for both the region, the event and the state.
“The Santos Tour Down Under is one of Australia’s great sporting success stories and Onkaparinga is entwined with this history, having partnered every year since its inception in 1999,” she said.
“Our stunning coastline, townships and vistas have become synonymous with the race – broadcast to millions around the world – and I’m looking forward to seeing crowds line the streets over three packed days to celebrate the milestone.
“It’s fantastic to see that Race Director, Stuart O’Grady, has gone with a greatest hits approach to Onkaparinga’s involvement in 2025, with classic stages such as McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill alongside major drawcards including our beaches and world-famous wine region. It’s also a historic event in that we’re hosting two women’s stages for the first time.
“I can’t wait for the race and all the social, physical and economic benefits it delivers to Onkaparinga’s communities.”
Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady OAM said the City of Onkaparinga was no stranger to playing a pivotal role in the race.
“The City of Onkaparinga really has it all, from welcoming towns, serene beachside scenery and of course the infamous Willunga Hill," he said.
“We saw incredible vulnerability and emotion in so many of the athletes this year, in particular Sarah Gigante as she won up Willunga Hill – a climb that we will see women tackle twice for the first time in 2025.”
For more information on the announcement and the race routes, visit the Santos Tour Down Under website.
To stay up to date with Onkaparinga’s stages – including events and road closures – visit the council’s website.