Nat Bromhead
Now in its 19th year, the Santos Tour Down Under has developed a reputation as one of the most highly-anticipated and exciting events on the UCI WorldTour calendar.
As the first event of the professional season, it’s the premier Australian cycling race. With the eyes of the cycling world firmly fixed on Adelaide each January, all major teams along with some of the world’s top riders are here in Australia for it.
More than just a bike race, the Tour Down Under is a festival of cycling. A party atmosphere envelopes Adelaide and the joy is spread across each region that hosts the daily stages. Highlights each year include the iconic Willunga Hill finish, the Bupa Challenge Tour and Legends’ Night Dinner – this year featuring two-time World Champion Peter Sagan.
In partnership with Pushys, Bicycling Australia will be at the 2017 TDU and we look forward to bringing you the latest action via our website and social media channels.
A Little TDU History
In 2008 the Santos Tour Down Under became the first event outside Europe to join the prestigious UCI WorldTour. It proudly remains the first annual race on the international cycling calendar with most riders leaving the freezing northern winter to compete under the warm Australian sun.
WorldTour status ensures top teams and the best riders compete at the Santos Tour Down Under – all are eager to secure points and start the season well. The January time slot is allocated by the UCI and has numerous advantages. Taking place during the school holidays allows families and students from around Australia to visit South Australia and watch the race live, joining their local counterparts to cheer on cyclists as they vie for victory. January weather – blue skies, balmy nights and plenty of sunshine – also means South Australia is seen at its best.
The Santos Tour Down Under is the largest and most prestigious cycling event in the southern hemisphere bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the state each year. A record crowd of 795,000 people enjoyed the 2016 TDU, won for a fourth time by Orica-Scott’s Simon Gerrans.
Coverage
Bicycling Australia Magazine will be reporting live each day from the Tour Down Under. You can keep up with the latest news via our website, Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channels.
The Nine Network and GEM have the television rights to broadcast the action. The network will also be streaming the race via the Wide World of Sports website.
Teams & Riders For 2017
19 teams and 187 riders will sign on for the start of the 2017 Santos Tour Down Under. For a full list of teams and riders see the start list here.
The Jerseys
SANTOS OCHRE LEADER’S JERSEY
The Santos Tour Down Under Ochre Leader’s Jersey is awarded to the rider with the fastest cumulative time at the end of each stage and to the overall winner at the end of the race.
The ochre colour, first introduced in 2006, is strongly associated with Australia and is unique to the Santos Tour Down Under. In 2016 Australia’s Simon Gerrans was awarded the Santos Ochre Leader’s Jersey for the fourth time.
SUBARU KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
The Subaru King of the Mountain Jersey is awarded at the end of each stage to the rider who leads the cumulative mountain points tally. Points are awarded to the first five riders over the summit of designated climbs throughout the race. Tour de France champion Cadel Evans won the Santos Tour Down Under’s Subaru King of the Mountain Jersey in 2002, 2003 and 2006. The 2016 winner was Sergio Henao (COL) Team Sky.
iiNET SPRINT JERSEY
The iinet Sprint Jersey is awarded to the rider who leads the sprint points tally after each stage. Points are awarded to the first three riders to cross the line at the designated sprints along the route. Australian cycling sensation Robbie McEwen has taken sprint jersey honours three times at the Santos Tour Down Under: 2002, 2004 and 2005. At the 2016 Santos Tour Down Under the jersey was awarded to ORICA-GreenEDGE’s Simon Gerrans.
YOUNG RIDER JERSEY
The Young Rider Jersey is awarded to the rider aged under 26 with the fastest cumulative time at the end of each stage. Australia’s Jay McCarthy from the Tinkoff team was the winner in 2016.
MOST COMPETITIVE RIDER
The Europcar Most Competitive Rider Jersey is awarded to the rider judged to have instigated the most attacks, breakaways or assisted their teammates to the best advantage during each stage of the Santos Tour Down Under. The Europcar Most Competitive Rider Jersey is not worn during the race but the rider who has received this accolade is identified in the peloton with a red race number.
WILSON WINNING TEAM
The Wilson Winning Team accolade is awarded to the team with the fastest cumulative time at the conclusion of the Santos Tour Down Under. The winning team is determined by adding together the times of the team’s first four riders across the line for each race stage. Cannondale Pro Cycling was bestowed this honour in 2016
Santos Tour Down Under Stages
• Sunday 15 January | People’s Choice Classic | Adelaide 1915 to 2015 | 51km
• Monday 16 January | Rest Day
• Tuesday 17 January | Hostworks Stage 1 | Unley to Lyndoch | 1030 to 1430 | 145km
• Wednesday 18 January | Staging Connections Stage 2 | Stirling to Paracombe | 1045 to 1430 | 148.5km
• Thursday 19 January | Hansgrohe Stage 3 | Glenelg to Victor Harbor | 1100 to 1450 | 144km
• Friday 20 January | Bupa Stage 4 | Norwood to Campbelltown | 1130 to 1530 | 149.5km
• Saturday 21 January | BikeExchange Stage 5 | McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill | 1110 to 1500 | 151.5km
• Sunday 22 January | Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6 | Adelaide | 1330 to 1530 | 90km
Santos Women’s Tour
• Saturday 14 January 2017 | Stage 1 | Hahndorf to Meadows | 1100 to 1340 | 106.5km
• Sunday 15 January 2017 | Stage 2 | Adelaide Criterium 1745 to 1825 | 32km (same route as the People’s Choice Classic)
• Monday 16 January | Stage 3 | Tanunda to Lyndoch | 1100 to 1320 | 92km
• Tuesday 17 January | Stage 4 | Victoria Park Criterium 1.2km circuit (1 hour plus two laps of racing) | 1830 to 1940
Things to Do
ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL TOUR VILLAGE – VICTORIA SQUARE – 14-22 JANUARY
Walk amongst the world’s best cyclists and latest cycling gear in the Tour Village. The largest Bike Expo in Australia and located in Adelaide’s CBD, this is the heart and soul of the event, the place to go to immerse yourself in all things Santos Tour Down Under and cycling. Watch the team mechanics at work, test ride the newest bikes, watch the race on the big screen or check out the latest cycling equipment. The Tour Village is the perfect place to visit on any or all nine days of the Santos Tour Down Under.
TEAM PRESENTATION AND CONCERT – ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL TOUR VILLAGE, VICTORIA SQUARE – SATURDAY 14 JANUARY
The perfect start to your Santos Tour Down Under experience is joining us in the heart of Adelaide for the Team Presentation and free concert.
Be amongst the thousands of fans as the riders of the Santos Women’s Tour and Santos Tour Down Under are presented to the crowd for the rst time.
International voices of cycling Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen will guide us through the presentations and tell us who their picks of the peloton are before the stage is taken over for the evening concert to really kick off the festival’s celebrations in style.
LADIES DAY ON TOUR – WEDNESDAY 18 JANUARY 2017 & SATURDAY 21 JANUARY
Meet local fashion designers and enjoy exclusive shopping opportunities while enjoying morning refreshments, gourmet lunch and South Australian bubbles, wine and beer – plus an afternoon cocktail!
LEGENDS’ NIGHT DINNER WITH PETER SAGAN – CONVENTION CENTRE, SATURDAY 21 JANUARY, 7:30PM
The Legends’ Night Dinner is a celebration of the best in cycling. This year the night is in honour of cycling legend Peter Sagan. He’ll be racing at the Santos Tour Down Under with his new team Bora-Hansgrohe and will share stories from his career to date, including his win at the 2015 UCI Road World Championships. To purchase your seat at cycling’s night of nights visit tourdownunder.com.au
BUPA CHALLENGE TOUR – FRIDAY 20 JANUARY
If you’re new to cycling, getting back into it or live and breathe cycling, then the Bupa Challenge Tour is your chance to participate in the TDU. It takes place on the morning of Stage 4, along the same route as the professional riders just hours before the pros take to the road.
RIDE WITH JENS VOIGT – FRIDAY 20 JANUARY
Jens Voigt is synonymous with cycling and success. More importantly, he is fun, fabulous and universally respected and loved. Register to ride the Bupa Challenge Tour on Jensie’s ‘Shut Up Down Under’ team. Places are limited. Register at tourdownunder.com.au
NORTON SUMMIT TIME TRIAL – SUNDAY 15 JANUARY
If you like to race the clock the Norton Summit Time Trial is the event for you. Test yourself against the timer or push your own personal best and compete for the title of King or Queen of the Mountain.
To register visit tourdownunder.com.au
FAMILY DAYS – RYMILL PARK, ADELAIDE, SUNDAY 15 JANUARY & ELDER PARK, ADELAIDE, SUNDAY 22 JANUARY
Free, fun family activities all day track side, make for a brilliant day out in the city. Pack a picnic or enjoy the delicious fare on offer as you experience world class.
BUPA FAMILY RIDE – SUNDAY 15 JANUARY
Round up the family and ride as a team as you join hundreds of families riding around the People’s Choice Classic 2.3km circuit.
You have an hour to ride as many laps as you like so get together, start practicing and set your goal! Family fun at its best.
Register your family now! Visit tourdownunder.com.au
BUPA MINI TOUR FOR KIDS – SUNDAY 22 JANUARY
Kids aged between six and 12 years can ride in the Bupa mini tour for kids, an opportunity to feel like a WorldTour rider and take part in the Santos Tour Down Under!
Don’t miss your chance to be on the start line! To register visit tourdownunder.com.au
Remember to check the Bicycling Australia website daily for stage results, stage previews and more. We will also be constantly updating the Bicycling Australia Facebook page and social channels – we look forward to sharing all the TDU action with you.
