The Santos Tour Down Under will return to the City of Onkaparinga in January 2024, with a new-look women’s stage finish and men’s stage—both concluding with thrilling Willunga Hill climbs.
The action will kick off in Onkaparinga with the Women’s Stage 3 on Sunday 14 January, which travels through Clarendon before the Queen of the Mountain is crowned at Willunga Hill.
This will be the second year the City of Onkaparinga has hosted a stage finish of the Women’s race since it was elevated to UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) WorldTour status last year, and the first Willunga Hill finish for the race.
Then, on Saturday 20 January, the THINK! Road Safety Men’s Stage 5 will take place, travelling solely within the City of Onkaparinga, with an exciting new-look start in Christies Beach.
The peloton will then travel through Port Noarlunga and Old Noarlunga before the nail-biting finish atop Willunga Hill.
It’ll be the 24th time the City of Onkaparinga has hosted a stage of the Santos Tour Down Under.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor said the pairing was a match made in heaven.
“Our stunning vistas and challenging race routes have enthralled the cycling world and our communities every year since the event's inception in 1999,” she said.
“We’re really excited to again host both women’s and men’s racing in 2024, particularly with the inclusion of our iconic Mid Coast beaches of Christies and Port Noarlunga, and the return of the iconic Willunga Hill climbs.
“With the dates locked in, the only questions now are where you’ll pull up a chair along the race routes to watch the world’s best, and which cellar doors, cafes and beaches you’ll attend while you’re here.”
Santos Tour Down Under Race Director, Stuart O'Grady OAM, said the City of Onkaparinga would play a major part in next year's event.
“Spectacular terrain and welcoming towns are found across the City of Onkaparinga, and it’s all set to feature during the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under,” he said.
“The THINK! Road Safety Men’s Stage 5 will start and finish within the City of Onkaparinga. We’ll feature a coastal start at Christies Beach, with the fabled Willunga Hill returning once again to challenge riders and offer fans an unforgettable vantage point.
"The Women's Stage 3 is set to chart new territory. We’re opening a new chapter on the fabled Willunga Hill – a fan favourite and one that has long hosted the men’s race.
“Stage 3 will see women take on its steep slopes for the first time during the Santos Tour Down Under. A champion will be crowned; the big question is whether the woman first across the line will also take out the ochre jersey and overall victory.”
In 2023, the men’s and women’s stages in Onkaparinga attracted more than 120,000 spectators, with the Fleurieu (including McLaren Vale, Willunga and Port Willunga) seeing the Santos Tour Down Under’s highest percentage of interstate and international visitors staying in the region.
For more information on the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under and the Onkaparinga stages, visit the event website.