Published on 16 October 2018

Breakaway in Onkaparinga

Save the date because you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else on Sunday 20 January 2019 when the eyes of the world are on the City of Onkaparinga for the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere.

For 20 consecutive years the City of Onkaparinga has supported the Santos Tour Down Under, and for the 21st anniversary the council is delighted to host the final stage of this prestigious international event. The Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6 will be the largest event the region has ever held and will be part of an action-packed three-day calendar.

On Friday 18 January, streets, paddocks and properties will be a spectacle of colour as they compete for the title of Santos Best Dressed Town.

Take in the festive atmosphere by cycling the race route or pedal the 37-kilometre Coast to Vines Rail Trail with loops to world-class beaches, cafes, restaurants and cellar doors.

To recharge visit Fridays After Five between 5pm and 9pm when Aldinga’s Old Coach Road transforms into the hippest place to be on the Fleurieu with food, fashion, wine, markets, and music.

On Saturday 19 January, savour handcrafted breads, freshly roasted coffee and regional delights direct from local producers and growers at the iconic Willunga Farmers Market – the first farmers’ market in Australia. Between 8am and 12.30pm celebrate Onkaparinga’s bounty while enjoying live music and sourcing goodies for your race day picnic.

To whet your appetite for Sunday’s chases and breakaways, Stage 5 passes through Old Noarlunga and Sellicks Hill between noon and 1pm en route to Strathalbyn via Yankalilla and Victor Harbor.

Then in the evening, relax under the stars at a celebration among the vines at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre.

On race day – Sunday 20 January – set up beachside or roadside along the 151.5 kilometre race route for the Queen stage. The race loops through McLaren Vale, Willunga, Aldinga Beach, Snapper Point, Port Willunga and Aldinga before riders battle for the Willunga Hill Subaru King of the Mountain crown and Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6 victory.

The nail-biting race finale will be greeted by applause from thousands of spectators and televised to millions around the world. So you won’t miss any of the action there’ll be four big screen at the following free community events: Aldinga Bay Race Day Market, Snapper Point, Aldinga Beach; the Park Party, Ellis Park, Main Road, McLaren Vale; Peloton Picnic, the Old Courthouse Grounds, High Street, Willunga; and Pop-Up Market, the Hub, Willunga Town Square.

With last year’s Stage 5 attracting 144,000 visitors and generating economic benefits worth more than $14.6 million, Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6 is sure to be the most significant event hosted in the Onkaparinga region.

The 2019 Santos Tour Down Under will run from 10 to 20 January. For more information on the race visit onkaparingacity.com and tourdownunder.com.au – and for places to eat, stay and play mclarenvaleguide.com

Tour Down Under