Pedalling across the state from 10-20 January, The Santos Tour Down Under is Australia's greatest cycling race, welcoming the world's best cyclists to the city of Adelaide and South Australia's beautiful regions.
But the fun doesn't end when the races stop. Tour time provides the perfect opportunity to see, eat and drink your way around the Barossa, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills. Explore wineries, hit the surf at beautiful beaches, rub shoulders with world-famous superstars and party-on at gourmet galas and vibrant street parties.
where to Watch the peloton from
What better way to experience the Santos Tour Down Under than with a glass of award-winning South Australian wine in-hand? Catch the action, then relax on the deck of a stunning McLaren Vale cellar door, the eaves of the leafy Uraidla Hotel or a world-famous winery in the Barossa's gourmet capital, Lyndoch.
1. The Hilton, Adelaide
Pop a bottle and raise your glass for Champagne Hour at the Hilton, Adelaide. Sip on some cocktails or cool down with a beer at The Collins Bar which overlooks the City of Adelaide Tour Village. It's a perfect position to spot your favourite cycling stars.
2. uraidla, Adelaide Hills
Local produce, entertainment, kids' activities and the unique flavours of the Adelaide Hills will be centre stage in Uraidla as the Subaru Stage 3 rides down the sweeping Uraidla High Road. After the race, drink-in and dine on the Adelaide Hills' freshest produce at the Uraidla Hotel or Lost in a Forest.
3. McLaren Vale, Fleurieu Peninsula
Stage 5 starts in the bountiful McLaren Vale wine region, where the party keeps going all day and night. Grab a post-race glass at world-famous d'Arenberg Cube, Hugh Hamilton Wines, Coriole Vineyards or Penny's Hill.
TOUR DOWN UNDER STREET PARTIES & special attractions
Jam-packed with world-class, award winning restaurants and bars, every night is a party in Adelaide during Tour time. With more street parties and celebrations than ever, take your pick from an eclectic range of festivities.
1. Unley Gourmet Gala
Adelaide foodies, wine lovers, fashionistas and cycling enthusiasts will flock to King William Road for the annual Unley Gourmet Gala on Thursday 17 January. The Unley Gourmet Gala is an exciting outdoor gourmet experience showcasing some of South Australia's finest food, wine, fashion, music and entertainment.
2. Glenelg Tour Street Party
Cool down by Adelaide's best-known beach for the Glenelg Tour Street Party on Friday 18 January. Catch the tram from the city, then join the action with food, fashion and live entertainment for the whole family.
3. Norwood on Tour Street Party
Foodies, families and cycling enthusiasts will flock to The Parade to enjoy live music, children's entertainment and sumptuous street eats at the Norwood on Tour Street Party on Monday 14 January.
4. be safe be seen mac stage 6 MOUNTAIN CLIMB
Stage 6 on Sunday 20 January is a spectator favourite and is heralded as the 'Kings' stage of the Santos Tour Down Under. The day will start in McLaren Vale, famous for its winemaking. The town is always in party mode during the race, with the peloton headed for the iconic Willunga Hill. This year's race is the first time the race will end on the iconic Willunga HIll. Fans can get up close to riders in what is sure to be an epic finish to the race.
5. GETTING UP-CLOSE TO RIDERS
You'd have to be lucky to get within sweating distance of a pro-cyclist during a grand European tour. In Adelaide, you'll find superstars of the sport strolling through the city. Hang outside the Hilton Adelaide and the City of Adelaide Tour Village and you could easily bump into cycling royalty like world champion Peter Sagan, Aussie super-stars Richie Porte, and Caleb Ewan and and cycling heroes Phil Liggett and Robbie McEwen.
6. The City of Adelaide Tour Village
Considered the heart and soul of the Santos Tour Down Under, the City of Adelaide Tour Village is a gathering spot for cycling fans, an after-work meeting place and a free venue to catch up on the day's racing. Watch interviews with cycling stars, grab an autograph, watch pro teams tune-up their bikes and pick up official event merchandise. Enjoy a daily entertainment program with live performances, relive the action on the big screens, test ride the newest-model bikes, check out the latest cycling gear and get inspired at the largest Bike Expo in Australia.
Flying with your bike
If you're travelling with your bike, check out Qantas' sporting equipment guide for details. There is no additional cost to travelling with a bike unless it exceeds your ticketed baggage allowance.
