THINK! Road Safety Race Day 1: Henley Beach to Gumeracha

Tuesday, 19 January 2027

MEN'S STAGE 1

Start
10:40 AM
Seaview Road, Henley Beach

Finish
2:36 PM
Albert Street, Gumeracha

Distance
164.9km

MEN'S STAGE 1
Start
10:40 AM
Seaview Road, Henley Beach
Finish
2:36 PM
Albert Street, Gumeracha
Distance
164.9km

GPS Map (GPX)

Route Map

Point To Point

About the stage

Our opening stage is set to take riders from coastal Henley Beach and into the Adelaide Hills – putting contenders for overall victory on notice across an undulating 165-kilometre route that features three ascents of the punishing Checker Hill before a Gumeracha finish.

It’s on from day one. All-rounders must seize their chances on a tough opening stage that promises to reward tenacity. While traditionally our first-hit-out is all about pure sprinters, this time it’s powerful all-rounders who could show their cards.

Action will begin in beautiful Henley Beach, travelling north to Port Adelaide and across the Birkenhead Bridge for the first time in Santos Tour Down Under history. From there the peloton is set to push through Golden Grove and to sprints in Williamstown and Lobethal, racing across a scenic Adelaide Hills loop and towards the finish.

But wait – there’s more. Riders must tackle Checker Hill an unprecedented three times, forcing those eyeing overall victory to remain in contact as the stage wraps in Gumeracha. Strategy – and new-season form – will define the day.

See more about this stage stage in detail or read our detailed stage guide.

Stage Map

FIND KEY POINTS ALONG THE RACE ROUTE AND EXPLORE WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THINK! ROAD SAFETY RACE DAY 1.

Stage in detail

Stage Profile
Ziptrak® Sprints
efex King of the Mountain
Vantage Points
Ride on Strava

Stage Profile

Download

Ziptrak® Sprints

Ziptrak® Sprint #1
At 70.7km, Queen Street, Williamstown at The Old Bakehouse
Peloton approx: 12:24pm

Ziptrak® Sprint #2
At 105.4km, Main Street, Lobethal at The Lobethal Hotel
Peloton approx: 1:12pm

efex King of the Mountain

efex King of the Mountain #1
88.7km, King of the Mountain #1 - Checker Hill (category 1)
Distance: 600m, Total Ascent 86m, Maximum Gradient: 18.4%, Average Gradient: 14.2%
Checker Hill Road, Kersbrook
Peloton approx: 12:49pm

efex King of the Mountain #2
123.9km, King of the Mountain #2 - Checker Hill (category 1)
Distance: 600m, Total Ascent 86m, Maximum Gradient: 18.4%, Average Gradient: 14.2%
Checker Hill Road, Kersbrook
Peloton approx: 1:38pm

efex King of the Mountain #3
159km, King of the Mountain #3 - Checker Hill (category 1)
Distance: 600m, Total Ascent 86m, Maximum Gradient: 18.4%, Average Gradient: 14.2%
Checker Hill Road, Kersbrook
Peloton approx: 2:27pm

Vantage Points

Seaview Road, Henley Beach
It all starts here. Come early to see your favourite riders sign-on (sign on opens 1 hour and 10 mins before the race) then see the race start from this iconic seaside location.
Peloton approx: 10:40am

Queen Street, Williamstown
Settle in to a café, restaurant, bakery or pub along Queen Street. See Ziptrak Sprint #1 here.
Peloton approx: 12:24pm

Checker Hill, Kersbrook
It’s all about Checker Hill, found between Kersbrook and Forreston, which will see plenty of hard-fought action on this first day of racing. See all three efex KOMs here.
Peloton approx: 12:49pm, 1:31pm, 2:27pm

Main Street, Lobethal
Settle in to a café, restaurant, bakery or pub along Main Street. See Ziptrak Sprint #2, plus an additional pass through.
Peloton approx: 1.12pm, 2pm

Albert Street, Gumeracha
Settle in to a café, restaurant, bakery or pub along Albert Street. See two pass throughs and the race finish here.
Peloton approx: 12:58pm, 1.47pm, 2:36pm

Catch the race action anywhere along the race route! Find a suitable spot, set yourself up and watch the world's greatest cyclists race through South Australia.

Please note: Estimated pass times are provided for guidance only and may vary due to factors such as race conditions and unforeseen delays.

Ride on Strava

TOUR ALL THE ACTION Spectator Information

As the Santos Tour Down Under takes over all of Adelaide and surrounds, we invite you to tour the many other wonders of South Australia along the way.

Tour Transfers

Tour Transfers make it easy to enjoy the Santos Tour Down Under at its best. Hop on in central Adelaide and head direct to the stage start, then continue to the finish line and see the stage wrap up before returning to the city.

Spectator Travel Guide

From the coast to the hills, this stage has it all. Start your day seaside at Henley Beach with great coffee and ocean views, then follow the race inland through charming towns and winding climbs to Gumeracha. We’ve gathered the best places to eat, drink, and explore along the way.

Approved Travel Specialists

Santos Tour Down Under Approved Travel Specialists are the premier providers of curated travel packages for cycling enthusiasts and event attendees alike at the Santos Tour Down Under.

Race Day Itineraries

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, our guide covers a typical race day for fans on the ground.

Getting to the stage

The beauty of travelling around South Australia? It's extremely accessible and you can travel from the beach to the hills under an hour! From the Adelaide CBD, our race starts are only a short drive, bus ride or bike ride away.

Explore the Adelaide Hills

Plan your trip to the Adelaide Hills. Explore itineraries, get inspiration and discover the range of activities and things to do including wineries and cellar doors, restaurants and accommodation.

Presented by

We thank THINK! Road Safety, the City of Charles Sturt and Adelaide Hills Council for hosting Race Day 1 and for their invaluable contribution to the Santos Tour Down Under.

Stage Naming Rights Partner

The THINK! Road Safety Partnerships Program is an initiative of the Government of South Australia.

We are proud to partner with SATC for the Santos Tour Down Under, to spread road safety messaging and to help reduce road trauma and lives lost on roads across South Australia.

Host Council

Henley Beach is one of Adelaide’s most iconic coastal destinations and a favourite among local cyclists. Located in the City of Charles Sturt, just 20 minutes from the CBD, it offers a vibrant mix of cafés, restaurants and shopping with a beachside backdrop, making it the perfect place to explore, relax and enjoy.

Council stage starts: 1

Host Council

Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, Gumeracha blends rural charm with roadside attractions, including the world-famous Big Rocking Horse. During the Santos Tour Down Under, visitors can soak up vibrant crowds, and enjoy artisan produce, scenic vineyards, and relaxed country hospitality.

Council stage finishes: 31