Race Day 5: Christies Beach to Willunga Hill

MEN'S STAGE 5 - Saturday, 23 January 2027

Start
10:40 AM
Esplanade, Christies Beach

Finish
1:32 PM
Brookman Road, Willunga Hill

Distance
116.4km

WOMEN'S STAGE 2 - Saturday, 23 January 2027

Start
12:10 PM
Esplanade, Christies Beach

Finish
3:36 PM
Brookman Road, Willunga Hill

Distance
116.4km

GPS Map (GPX)

Route Map

Point To Point

About the stage

Willunga Hill comes into play across a 116-kilometre stage that begins in Christies Beach and then proceeds to put a new twist on tradition.

We’re starting beachside and visiting McLaren Vale vineyards on a stage set to feature a new climb ahead of its finish atop the formidable Willunga Hill.

Riders will depart from Christies Beach, immediately heading east and to the first ascent of Coxs Hill in Santos Tour Down Under history. Their journey continues through Clarendon and Kangarilla, then to a loop around McLaren Vale, Port Willunga and Aldinga to be raced in the opposite direction to previous years.

It sets up a new approach to the peloton’s first pass of Willunga Hill, followed by a descent down Penny’s Hill Road before riders battle to the top a second time. Hard, fast racing awaits – the kind that could ultimately clinch overall victory.

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 RACE DAY 5.

Stage in detail

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

Stage Profile

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Ziptrak® Sprints

Ziptrak® Sprint #1
61km, Esplanade (Snapper Point), Aldinga Beach
Men's peloton approx: 12:15pm
Women's peloton approx: 2:03pm

Ziptrak® Sprint #2
106.5km, Kangarilla Road, McLaren Vale near #10 Kangarilla Road
Men's peloton approx: 1:18pm
Women's peloton approx: 3:19pm

efex King/Queen of the Mountain

efex King of the Mountain #1
13.7km, efex King of the Mountain #1 - Coxs Hill (category 2) Distance: 10.0km, Total Ascent 274m, Maximum Gradient: 11.1%, Average Gradient: 3.0%
Right turn on to Chandlers Hill Road, Chandlers Hill
Men's peloton approx: 11:09am
Women's peloton approx: 12:45pm

efex King of the Mountain #2 & #3
89.4km & 116.2km, efex King of the Mountain #2 & #3 - Willunga Hill (category 1)
Distance: 3.0km, Total Ascent 224m, Maximum Gradient: 11.0%, Average Gradient: 7.4%
Old Willunga HIll Road, Willunga Hill
Men's peloton approx: 12:54pm, 1:32pm
Women's peloton approx: 2:51pm, 3:35pm

Vantage Points

Christies Beach – Race start
Come early to see your favourite riders sign-on (sign on opens 1 hour and 10 mins pre race) then see the race start from this iconic seaside location
Men’s peloton est: 10:40am
Women’s peloton est.: 12:10pm

Willunga Hill
This storied climb will see four peloton passes for the day – two for the men, two for the women – and exert its influence on a stage that demands explosive energy and the stamina to dominate an uphill finish.
Men’s peloton est: 12:54pm, 1:32pm
Women’s peloton est: 2:51pm, 3:35pm

Main Road, McLaren Vale
See multiple men’s & women’s pass throughs from two different sections of the race route along Main Road in McLaren Vale. Position yourself near Main Road and Tatachila Road.
Men’s peloton est (Field St / Main Rd): 11:52pm
Men’s peloton est (Main Rd / Kangarilla Rd): 1:13pm
Women’s peloton est (Field St / Main Rd): 1:36pm
Women’s peloton est (Main Rd / Kangarilla Rd): 3:13pm

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

Hospitality Packages

Ready to take your time at the Santos Tour Down Under up a gear? Our hospitality packages invite you to see the peloton while enjoying the best in South Australian food and wine. On this stage:

📍Detours, McLaren Vale
🗓️ Saturday 23 January
🏁 Private viewing area and walk through at the start line
🍽️ Long lunch with paired wines at Our Place @ WIllunga Hill or Fall from Grace
🚴‍♀️ Multiple race pass throughs

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 Stage Guide

Coastal views, country towns, and wine country charm - this stage through the Fleurieu Peninsula is made for exploring. From beachside cafés in Christies Beach to cellar doors and historic pubs in Willunga, we’ve pulled together the top spots to eat, drink and unwind as you follow the race to the finish.

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.

Race Day 5 Explore More Fleurieu Peninsula

Explore the Fleurieu Peninsula

Plan your trip to the Fleurieu Peninsuila. 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 City of Onkaparinga for hosting Race Day 5 and for their invaluable contribution to the Santos Tour Down Under.

Host Council

Christies Beach: A beautiful seaside village, home to a unique blend of sun, sand and shopping. Beach Road features must visit bakeries, eateries, quirky shops and street murals — perfect for a coffee or brunch stop. Walk the short over-water boardwalk connecting you to the next seaside village of Port Noarlunga – enjoy!

Willunga Hill: Atop the leafy village of Willunga. Willunga is where history and heritage blend perfectly, renowned for art, galleries, dining and three pubs (top, middle and bottom). It’s also just awarded Australia’s top food and wine town and home to the famous weekly Saturday morning Willunga Farmers Market – a must visit!

Council stage starts: 24
Council stage finishes: 24