A Day at the Tour
A quick guide on how to experience the action at the Santos Tour Down Under
Cycling superfan – or simply soaking up the summer vibes? A day at the Santos Tour Down Under delivers, no matter what brings you trackside.
From the buzz of the City of Adelaide Tour Village to finish line excitement as the peloton storms home, this quick guide covers a typical race day for fans on the ground.
See you at the start line
Start your day by joining all the start line fun.
Watch team vans roll in – led by race mascot Oppy’s car and the official race convoy – and get ready for the action ahead.
Energy really begins to build about 30 minutes before the race start. Hear from riders first-hand with on track interviews from our commentary team. Watch as each rider adds their signature to the sign-on board – a long-standing tradition and a great chance to see your favourite cyclists up close. Chasing a signature? This is the place to be.
While you’re waiting, take a moment to explore nearby cafés and businesses for a coffee or a quick bite. There’s always something to see (and snack on) before wheels are in motion.
Countdown to go time
Most stages kick off at 11:10am (check out exact start times here). Find a spot near the start line and watch as the riders roll out under neutral conditions. This is a controlled pace set by race director Stuart O’Grady OAM, who waves his flag from the lead Hyundai car to signal the official start of racing.
Once the flag drops, it’s game on.
Find a vantage point on the route
Not staying at the start? There are plenty of great viewing spots to see the peloton flying past. Many race stages feature loops that will bring riders past the same location multiple times. Find the key vantage points for each route on our stage pages.
Planting yourself at a Ziptrak® Sprint or efex King/Queen of the Mountain location is always a good idea. This is where riders fight to win points that will help their own standings, as well as the teams.
Most stages run for between three and four hours, meaning you’ve got plenty of time to move between vantage points, enjoy a leisurely lunch or explore a nearby town.
Our Spectator Travel Guides are packed with suggestions to help you make the most of your day – whether you’re chasing climbs, sprints or just enjoying up the scenery.
Feel the rush at the finish
If there’s one place you have to be, it’s the finish of a Santos Tour Down Under stage. Anticipation builds as the peloton approaches. Crowds line the barriers, commentators bring you up to speed, and excitement grows with every passing second.
Soak up the summer sunshine, grab a drink or an ice cream, and be part of the electric final moments that make each stage unforgettable.
Spend a day in the city
Can’t make it out to the stage? Head to the City of Adelaide Tour Village in Adelaide’s Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga for the perfect viewing experience. Catch all the live action on the big screen while relishing the race-day atmosphere. And there’s plenty to see and do once the race wraps – check out the latest gear at the bike expo, shop official merch, grab a bite to eat, and keep the kids entertained with fun activities. With rider appearances and entertainment throughout the day, the village is a must for fans.
Plan your experience
Every stage is different, and that’s the beauty of the Santos Tour Down Under. Whether you’re up early for the sign-on, chasing action across the route or heading straight to the finish, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a day at the Tour. Just bring your sunscreen, hat, water bottle and your loudest cheers. You’ll fit right in.
If you want to take your experience up a notch and leave the planning to us, consider one of our DeTours events.
FAQs
Yes! The beauty about the Santos Tour Down Under is that it's a free and accessible event.
The riders will arrive approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes before the race starts.
Yes, but please stand behind the barriers and respect the riders who are preparing to race.
Depending on the stage, parking can be limited. We recommend looking at our stage maps and planning ahead.
After every race, the race leaders are presented on a podium not far from the finish line. The podium location varies depending on the stage, but follow the crowd and you'll find yourself there.
Be there for the start line action when the race kicks off at 11:10am. Race finish times vary, so check out our stages to see when you can expect the race to finish.
This depends on what stage you plan on attending. If you just want to see the start or finish line action, you might only need about an hour. If you plan on watching more of the race, allow approximately 3 hours. There's plenty of events that surround the stages for you to explore.
