Your guide to the Santos Tour Down Under

The world’s best riders will battle it out as South Australia hosts the first race of the UCI WorldTour season. Enjoy front-row racing, experience our beautiful regions, savour local food and wine, and be part of the electric atmosphere.

Be front row to the action

The 2026 race stages promise to be the most exciting in TDU history. For the first time, all women’s WorldTeams and men’s WorldTour teams are set to be on the start line in Adelaide, eager to launch the new season with impact.

The women’s race will cover the longest distance ever, while the men’s race will see a city Prologue return – an addition set to shake up race dynamics from the very first kilometre.

Best of all, it’s so easy to be front row for the action.

This year there are new and exciting ways to experience the race – and entry is free! Live sites will be placed along the race route with large screens so you can follow the latest as it happens. Want to watch the pros battle to the line? Make the most of your time at the race by visiting a Finish Line Hub – your destination for a cool drink, food truck fare, shade and plenty of seats.

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Keen to elevate your spectator experience? DeTours is an all-inclusive premium experience showcasing the best of the race regions, with the details sorted so you can relax. Enjoy bus transfers, exclusive access to teams and riders, and the best in local food, wine and spirits.

Can’t make it to a stage? The City of Adelaide Tour Village in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga is the perfect central hub for big-screen race coverage and daily panel chats with riders and experts. Bring your mates to watch the race with food and drinks, ample shade and music.

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And there’s so much to see and do once the race wraps – check out the latest gear at the Bike Expo, shop official merch and keep the kids entertained with fun activities. Entry is free!

Insider tips for fans:

• Use the TDU website to plan your travel, view maps and schedule.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water – it’s January after all.
• And yes, bring a cowbell or grab one from the passing Tour Parade. It’s the unofficial soundtrack of the TDU!

Go beyond the racing

Festivities continue beyond the race at the Santos Tour Down Under. It all begins on Friday, January 16, with the Team Presentation in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, followed by a free concert from Hot Dub Time Machine. This time-travelling DJ, known for his energetic mix of music, is sure to get the crowd moving!

As the race tours the regions you can discover unique events happening at local venues along the race route. Here are some of our favourites:

McLaren Vale

The first race of the Women’s UCI WorldTour season kicks off on Saturday, January 17, in the town of Willunga, a fan favourite. Get together with friends and family at Town Square Willunga to watch the riders in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. With a sizzling summer barbecue, coffee, food trucks, live music and market stalls, this is ideal for families and cyclists alike.

Barossa

Soak up Barossa’s sunshine and vineyard views as both men’s and women’s teams race through the region on Wednesday, January 21. From a vibrant street party taking over Tanunda’s main street to premium winery experiences, there are many ways to make a day of it.

Adelaide Hills

Stirling will star as the men’s race wraps up across a thrilling eight lap circuit. Catch all the race-day fun at Stirling Oval with big screen race coverage or stroll through Stirling Market’s bustling hub of local talent and flavours. Wander through the charming main street of eateries and boutique shops. Check out the full list of events on in the Adelaide Hills on the TDU website.

Make it a family day out

Don’t miss the Health Partners Family Day on Tuesday, January 20. A day packed with fun for all ages, your young ones can dive into crafts, face painting and more while parents kick back. Youngsters aged five and under can hit a specially designed mini racetrack on tricycles and balance bikes for Tiny Tour, their very own free cycling experience.

Have a next-gen cycling star? Register for the Health Partners Family Ride in Victoria Park, where kids and adults alike can ride a section of the Prologue circuit before the pros hit the track.

Join the Tour

There are a variety of participation events at the Santos Tour Down Under that are perfect for your next challenge or some fun with mates. Adelaide Epic Ride invites you to test your legs against the best by tackling the Men’s Ziptrak Stage 3 route from Henley Beach to Nairne. RADL GRVL combines the best of gravel cycling and gorgeous McLaren Vale for the best and biggest gravel race in Australia. Each event has various distances to suit every level of athlete. Don’t just watch the race, be part of the action!

For more information visit tourdownunder.com.au