The Santos Tour Down Under confirms that Saturday’s THINK! Road Safety Men's Stage 4 will be modified due to the ‘Extreme’ Fire Danger Rating for the Mount Lofty Ranges and predicted maximum temperatures of 43 degrees.
Following consultation with emergency services including the Country Fire Service and South Australia Police, riders and the UCI, the following changes to the Stage will be made:
- The stage will still start from Brighton but one hour earlier, at 10.10am, instead of 11.10am as previously planned, following the same route to Willunga.
- The Willunga Hill component of the stage will be removed from the route entirely.
- The stage will now finish on High Street in the Willunga township using the same location as Ziptrak Stage 1 of the Women’s Race.
- The revised distance of the stage will be 131km.
- Three efex King of the Mountain points will be moved to Chandler’s Hill and two in Willunga. The two Ziptrak sprint points will remain at Snapper Point.
- The City of Adelaide Tour Village will open earlier at 10am.
See updated THINK! Road Safety Stage 4 Point to Point.
Fans are asked to avoid riding up Willunga Hill, be sun-smart, seek shade and remain hydrated, and most importantly, follow messages from emergency services authorities throughout the day.
The Efex Men’s Stage 5 is expected to proceed as planned, with the overall winner of the Santos Tour Down Under to be determined that day.
Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady said:
“While the removal of the famous Willunga Hill climb is disappointing news for cycling fans – ultimately rider and spectator safety is always the number one priority for our event.
“Following consultation with emergency services authorities, riders and the UCI, we have agreed to proceed with a modified program for Saturday’s racing.
“I encourage fans to stay cool tomorrow, be sun-smart and always listen to the advice of emergency services throughout the day.
“There is also the festivities in the City of Adelaide Tour Village, and get involved in other great Festival of Cycling events including the Oakley Car Park Climb on Saturday evening.”
See updated stage details here.
