Down Under Classic set for 2028 return on new city circuit
30 AUG 2026
The Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) is thrilled to welcome the return of its hugely popular city-circuit race the ‘Down Under Classic’ after a two-year absence in 2028.
Utilising the new MotoGP circuit in the East End, the Classic will resume its place on the schedule as the opening race of the festival, and showcase even more international cycling to a local and global audience.
The Classic has been a staple of the TDU since its debut in 2006 to 2025, but was not held this year due to the scheduling of a men’s prologue through the CBD to Victoria Park, and is not part of the 2027 race.
The 2028 Down Under Classic will feature both men’s and women’s racing and form part of a broader fan-friendly day enticing more people into the city and to experience professional cycling.
Robbie McEwen won the first ever TDU Classic in 2006 and is joined on the honour roll by some of the greatest sprinters in cycling history including Peter Sagan, Andre Greipel, Marcel Kittel and Caleb Ewan.
TDU Race Director Stuart O’Grady said he was excited to be bringing circuit racing back to the city in 2028.
“Over the past 20 years the Classic evolved into a really important part of the Santos Tour Down Under, bringing tens of thousands of fans together in the CBD and signalling that the new cycling season was under way,” O’Grady said.
“It’s been obvious from feedback from our spectators and fans that the Classic is a much-loved part of our event and I know this announcement will be warmly received.
“It will be fantastic to showcase international cycling on a new purpose-built circuit amid the backdrop of our magnificent city.
“The TDU was born back in 1999 out of the departure of the Formula One Grand Prix, so it’s exciting to have cycling on the track that will now also be used for the Australian MotoGP.
“I have some history of my own with part of this circuit, racing an exhibition race here before the F1s many years ago, so bringing a bike race back on these roads brings back fond memories for me and I’m looking forward to sharing that with everyone in 2028.”
