A showcase of South Australian food and culture, cycling expertise and family fun are highlights of the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under festival program announced today.
Extending beyond the city, the return of the much-loved street party, Unley Gala (formerly Unley Gourmet Gala) - the longest running event associated with the Santos Tour Down Under will take place on Saturday 20 January. The Unley Gala sets the scene before the Schwalbe Men's Stage 6 takes off from the same location on the following morning in the final stage of the men's race.
The festival hub, known as the City of Adelaide Tour Village, will pop-up again in Adelaide's Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga and will feature panel discussions with riders and experts, the race live streamed on the big screen, and a space for fans to cool off in the new 'recovery zone', featuring ice baths, physio and localised cryotherapy.
Patrons can enjoy daily knock off hour drinks thanks to Hahn and Seppeltsfield wines, with key South Australian food vendors including Pellegrino Pizzeria, Rik's Grill - Home of Low and Slow and Moi An Vietnamese Street Food.
Family fun will also be a focus across the 10-day festival, including a full Family Day program of events on Saturday 13 January, a Family Day Ride for children 12 and under, activity stations, and a book signing by dual Olympic athlete and world BMX champion, Caroline Buchanan.
South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said the Santos Tour Down Under and associated festival program generated significant economic return for the state's economy.
"Building on the momentum of the 2023 event, the Santos Tour Down Under will once again drive visitors to our city and surrounding regions, boosting our leisure and business sectors," Minister Bettison said.
"This year has been a bumper year for tourism in South Australia with record-high visitor expenditure. The Santos Tour Down Under is one of our state's world-class major events contributing to this record spend, with the 2023 event creating 776 full-time jobs and injecting $66.5 million into our economy.
"This event is a world class cycling race, but the festival that supports it, is what makes the Santos Tour Down Under a unique visitor experience.
"The Santos Tour Down Under has something for everyone, from cycling fans to those who are looking to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the festival atmosphere, there is nowhere else in Australia to be this January."
Cycling fans will have exclusive access to the women's and men's WorldTour teams, with the ability to walk through the Team Zones, watch the mechanics in action, and meet and greet their favourite cyclists. The largest bike expo in the southern hemisphere will also return to the City of Adelaide Tour Village, showcasing the latest technology and brands in cycling.
City of Unley Mayor Michael Hewitson AM said they were thrilled to bring the popular Unley Gala back to King William Road in 2024, after a four-year break.
"The Unley Gala is a fabulous opportunity for Unley retailers and restaurants to showcase some of Adelaide's finest fashion, food and music to tens of thousands of revellers at this much-loved summer street party," Mr Hewitson said.
"In keeping with our 20-year tradition of staging this spectacular summer street party, the Unley Gala will have something for all ages, from stellar live music performances to fashion parades, roving performers and children's entertainment."
Other community friendly events that will be taking place include the Glenelg Ice Cream Festival, the Sandbar in Christies Beach, and multiple events throughout Adelaide's regions alongside the race stage starts and finish lines.
Tickets to the family ride are now on sale, as well as tickets to participate in the Oakley Car Park Climb.
The Santos Tour Down Under is taking place in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 12-21 January 2024. It will feature nine days of elite racing for men and women.
The City of Adelaide Tour Village will be open from 12 to 21 January 2024. Entry is free.
