Five reasons to join the Challenge Tour

It’s the ultimate group ride

You ready? Our new Challenge Tour is set to conquer the action-packed Santos Tour Down Under men’s stage three route on Friday 20 January.  

It’s an adventure featuring three epic Adelaide climbs – Norton Summit, Checker Hill and Corkscrew Road – and one we want you to experience.  

Keen to know more? Our top five reasons to sign up are below. 

1. Closed roads 

You asked – we delivered. Almost all of the Challenge Tour ride will take place on closed roads, with traffic control in place in one mixed zone. Enjoy a UCI WorldTour experience as you tackle the 123.5km or 83km ride.  

2. Bragging rights 

Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady OAM has shaped the Challenge Tour as a fresh challenge for keen amateurs everywhere. Maybe you’re already logging top Strava times up the climbs set to feature – or perhaps the ride is a new personal goal to tackle. Either way: completing it comes with serious bragging rights.  

The full stage features more than 2.4 kilometres of vertical ascent. Here’s a closer look at its three climbs:  

• Norton Summit remains Adelaide’s favourite. It extends for 6.3 kilometres and has an average gradient of 5.2 per cent, mixing false flats and incline spikes with distance.   
  
  
• Checker Hill is among the most contested King of the Mountain climbs in Santos Tour Down Under history. It lasts for 1.1 kilometres and has an average gradient of 9.4 per cent, with its steepest section a formidable 28 per cent.   
  
  
• Your final test is the legendary Corkscrew Road. Its 3.3 kilometres have an average gradient of 7.1 per cent – an incline that puts even fresh legs under pressure.   

3. Custom jersey 

All Challenge Tour participants are invited to wear a jersey created exclusively for the event. Enjoy that new kit feeling, and the chance to wear it proudly beyond your Challenge Tour ride. We’ll reveal the bold design a little later this year.  

Prefer to wear your own jersey? No worries.  

4. Easy access to start and finish locations 

We’ve made transport simple so you can stay focused on the ride. Start and finish locations in suburban Adelaide mean you can easily get to and from the event.  

Be sure to stick around once you’ve crossed the line in Campbelltown – all participants can sit back, relax and enjoy men’s stage three of the Santos Tour Down Under on big screens. See how the pros tackle the very same route you’ve just conquered. 

5. All your servicing needs are covered 

Keep your mind on the ride. We’ve taken care of all your on-road needs:  

• Mechanical support to resolve any issues 
• Timing from start to finish – just like the pros 
• Feed zones to keep those legs turning 
• Hydration stations to ensure you’re refreshed  
• A cloakroom to keep your personal items safe and secure 

Up for the challenge? Register now for the 123.5km or 83km Challenge Tour rides. We can’t wait to see you out there.