Barossa To Host Santos Tour Down Under Double Header

The Barossa Valley will host an exciting double header during next year’s Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) with the announcement of a new women’s one-day race around Tanunda on Wednesday, January 21.

The UCI ProSeries event will deliver a fourth day of racing for the women’s peloton at the TDU, following the three-stage women’s race from January 17-19.

It means professional cycling fans are in for a full-day feast in the Barossa with the one-day circuit race immediately following Stage 1 of the men’s TDU with the two races to use the same start and finish line in Tanunda.

Riders in the women’s race will complete 12 laps of an 8km circuit, giving spectators plenty of opportunities to see all the colour and excitement of the peloton, before it is expected to finish with a bunch sprint after 96km and complete four days of women’s racing.

January is expected to be the first time in TDU history all 15 UCI Women’s WorldTeams will be on the start line in South Australia.

And next year they will have their own standalone race days with the men’s Classic, traditionally held on the Sunday evening, making way for the international spotlight to be solely on the women’s peloton.

The CBD will instead host a prologue to open the men’s race on January 20 which begins just outside the City of Adelaide Tour Village in Victoria Square.

This year’s TDU was enjoyed by the biggest crowds since 2018 with 807,900 people attending the race, which achieved an all-time high expenditure of $98 million generating $62.5 million value added to the state’s economy.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison:

“The Barossa, with its sweeping vineyards, stunning countryside and warm hospitality, provides the ideal backdrop for hosting a men’s and women’s double header next year.

“The event is warmly embraced by the community and broadcast images of the peloton riding past the picturesque vineyards is an iconic part of the race which is enjoyed by fans all over the world.

“By including an additional women’s one-day race to the program it not only provides more racing opportunities for visiting riders and teams, but encourages further visitation to our regions."

Quotes attributable to Race Director Stuart O’Grady:

“We are always looking at ways to improve our event and taking a one-day race to regional South Australia to complement the three-stage women’s TDU is another exciting element of the program.

“Crowds in Tanunda and the Barossa are consistently some of the strongest we see for the whole Tour, and next year spectators can enjoy two world-class races on the same day.

“The circuit we’ve designed means spectators will have multiple opportunities to see the race go past and enjoy the unique atmosphere the Barossa always provides.”