Published on 08 July 2022
Santos Tour Down Under returns to Onkaparinga in 2023
The Santos Tour Down Under is back in 2023 for the first time since before the pandemic, with the City of Onkaparinga set to host Stage 4 on Saturday 21 January.
Starting at Port Willunga (adjacent to the Star of Greece restaurant), Onkaparinga’s 135.3 kilometre stage will travel through Aldinga/Aldinga Beach, Tatachilla, McLaren Vale, McLaren Flat and Blewitt Springs, concluding again with an exciting finish in Willunga, though this time along the historic and much-loved High Street, rather than Willunga Hill. The stage will kick off at 11am, finishing at approximately 2:30pm.
Australia’s premier cycling event was replaced with a reimagined domestic Santos Festival of Cycling in 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19, but 2023 will see the triumphant return of the Santos Tour Down Under, bringing with it international stars, visitors and economic benefits to Onkaparinga.
City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Simon McMahon celebrated the news the iconic race was returning to the south.
“We’ve had a long and storied history with the Santos Tour Down Under, having hosted a stage for 21 consecutive years since the event’s inception in 1999,” he said.
“It’s a thrill to see the race headed back to our scenic vistas and historic townships in 2023, and to host a stage with a fresh new look.
“We know the event attracts visitors from around the world, generates millions in economic benefits, and broadcasts vision of our city across the globe, but it also creates excitement and inspiration in our communities.
“I can’t wait to see our streets lined with spectators and our food, wine and accommodation operators doing a roaring trade.”
Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady OAM said Onkaparinga’s Stage 4 was one for the sprinters.
“Port Willunga is set to host its first Santos Tour Down Under stage start in 2023,” he said.
“We are thrilled to share this beautiful part of South Australia with the world. The peloton will travel through McLaren Vale – offering fans ample opportunity to enjoy the action – before crossing the line in Willunga township, a new finish location in one of the race’s most popular host regions.”
For more information on the 2023 Santos Tour Down Under visit the event website, and the City of Onkaparinga website where you can find the Stage 4 route map and other local information.
The Santos Tour Down Under is the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere, and the 10-day event brings both male and female UCI WorldTour professional cycling teams to race on the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia each January.
In 2020 the Santos Tour Down Under attracted 44,800 visitors from interstate and overseas, injecting $66.4 million into the South Australian economy and creating the equivalent of 742 full-time jobs.