TDU Changes: 2019 Tour Down Under Courses & Willunga Finale Announced.

For the first time in the 20-year history of the race, the 2019 Santos Tour Down Under will see the  Stage 6 finale move out of the city and to a hill top finish at Willunga.

South Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Hon David Ridgway, confirmed today that the TDU’s Queen Stage, McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill, will be held on Sunday 20 January 2019. The stage will be the grand finale for the race.

“The 2019 Santos Tour Down Under race routes are expected to challenge the world’s best cycling teamsand riders whilst adding more elements of interest and entertainment for the fans,” said Minister Ridgway.

“It will be great to see the race return to Angaston in the Barossa for the first time since 2014, theCorkscrew Road climb which is a fan favourite on Stage 4 and the Challenge Tour now being held on a Saturday for the first time from Glenelg to Strathalbyn on Stage 5.

“We expect even more fans to line the road throughout the regions to cheer on their cycling heroes or simply enjoy a day out in South Australia with towns and regions showcasing our best food, wine anddestination experiences as the race travels through.”

The 2018 Santos Tour Down Under attracted a record 46,000 visitors from interstate and overseas who travelled specifically to South Australia for the event, generating an economic impact of $63.7M, creating the equivalent of 774 full time jobs.

‘Something Special For 2019’

Race Director Mike Turtur and the team face the unenviable challenge each year to design a course for the race that will test the riders and create a spectacle for the fans.

“We knew we had to create something special for the 2019 event and deliver something a little different in terms of the race routes after the amazing race we had this year. We have decided to mix it up and make Willunga Hill the grand finale and probably now the deciding factor of the race’s result,” said Mike Turtur.

“It is important as a race that we keep everyone guessing and the rides challenged. We can’t becomplacent.”

“We are really excited about a first-time stage finish in Port Adelaide on Stage 1 with a 3.4 km finishing circuit especially after the huge crowds their start drew this year and will be interested to see how the punchy new 14 km Uraidla circuit on Stage 3 which will see the riders pass through seven times will be received,” said Mike Turtur.

Details on the 2019 Women’s TDU will be announced soon.