THINK! Road Safety Men's Stage 4: Brighton to Willunga Hill

Saturday, 24 January 2026

MEN'S

Start
11:10 AM
Esplanade, Brighton

Finish
3:39 PM
Brookman Road, Willunga Hill

Distance
176km

MEN'S
Start
11:10 AM
Esplanade, Brighton
Finish
3:39 PM
Brookman Road, Willunga Hill
Distance
176km

GPS Map (GPX)

Route Map

About the stage

Ready? Riders are set to tackle Willunga Hill an unprecedented three times, going deep to earn the stage win and potentially a final-day advantage.

We all know Willunga Hill: scene of so much Santos Tour Down Under history and epic efforts from riders including Richie Porte and Sarah Gigante. But never before have we seen three ascents of its slopes – and the resulting impact on contenders for overall victory.

Who can deliver when it counts? We’ll find out on this 176-kilometre queen stage. Action begins in beachside Brighton and will travel through McLaren Vale before climbers come out to play.

Look for coastal sprints at Aldinga’s Snapper Point, and plenty of team tactics en route to a summit finish after the third and final push.

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

STAGE IN DETAIL

Stage Profile
ZIPTRAK® SPRINTS
efex KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
Vantage Points

Stage Profile

Download

ZIPTRAK® SPRINTS

Ziptrak® Sprint #1
86.4km, Esplanade at Snapper Point near Butterworth Road, Aldinga Beach
Approx. 1:25pm

Ziptrak® Sprint #2
126.9km, Esplanade at Snapper Point near Butterworth Road, Aldinga Beach
Approx. 2:26pm

efex KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

efex King of the Mountain #1
49.9km, efex King of the Mountain #1 - Willunga Hill (category 1)
Distance: 3.0km, Total Ascent 220m, Maximum Gradient: 11.0%, Average Gradient: 7.4%
Old Willunga HIll Road, Willunga Hill
Approx. 12:30pm

efex King of the Mountain #2
153.3km, efex King of the Mountain #2 - Willunga Hill (category 1)
Distance: 3.0km, Total Ascent 220m, Maximum Gradient: 11.0%, Average Gradient: 7.4%
Old Willunga HIll Road, Willunga Hill
Approx. 3:05pm

efex King of the Mountain #3
175.9km, efex King of the Mountain #3 - Willunga Hill (category 1)
Distance: 3.0km, Total Ascent 220m, Maximum Gradient: 11.0%, Average Gradient: 7.4%
Old Willunga HIll Road, Willunga Hill
Approx. 3:39pm

Vantage Points

Esplanade, Brighton
Beach side, cafes, restaurants & pubs. The race will start here.
Approx. 11:10am
Corner of Main Road and McMurtrie Road.
The race will pass here x5 times.
Approx. 12:18pm, 12:46pm, 1:52pm, 2:53pm, 3:21pm
Old Willunga Hill Road, Willunga.
The race will pass here x3 times for the efex KOMs.
Approx. 12:30pm, 3:05pm, 5:39pm
Corner of Kangarilla and Main Road, McLaren Vale.
The race will pass here x3 times. Main Road has cellar doors, cafés, & restaurants.
Approx. 12:16pm, 1:50pm, 2:50pm
Snapper Point - Esplanade, Aldinga Beach.
Iconic beach front where Ziptrak Sprint #1 & #2 will take place. The race will pass here x2 times.
Approx. 1:25pm, 2:26pm
Corner of Main Road and Aldinga Road, Willunga.
The race will pass this intersection x5 times. High Street in Willunga has local café’s & restaurants and the Bush Inn. It's a great spot to see riders as they climb towards the finish line x3 times.
Approx. 12:25pm, 12:59pm, 1:59pm, 3:00pm, 3:34pm

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.

Enjoy an all-inclusive experience

Ready to take your time at the Santos Tour Down Under up a gear? DeTours invite you to see the peloton while enjoying the best in South Australian hospitality.

For this stage, choose from 2 DeTour experiences, each including:

📍 Tour Transfers
🏁 Private viewing area at the start line
🚶 A guided start line walk-through
🥘 Long lunch
🚴‍♀️ Multiple race pass throughs
🍷 Wine tastings

TOUR ALL THE ACTION Spectator Travel Guide

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

Need a ride to the race? Tour Transfers make it simple, taking you directly to each stage start and then to the finish line aboard an air-conditioned coach. Tour Transfer Passes are available to make it easy to attend more stages.

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 Brighton 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.

A Day at the Tour

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 at the Santos Tour Down Under.

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 Fleurieu Peninsula

Plan your trip to the Fleurieu Peninsula. 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 Holdfast Bay and City of Onkaparinga for hosting Men's Stage 4 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

With a coastline spanning almost nine kilometres, you're never far from the beach in Holdfast Bay. We’re renowned for stunning sunsets, rich culture and heritage, welcoming hotels, bustling shops and loads of entertainment for the whole family - plus we have one of the best coastal paths to ride your bike on.

Men's Stage Starts: 15

Host Council

The city is home to McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast, which celebrates a world-class food, wine and coastal lifestyle, all just 45minutes from Adelaide. From coastal drives to spectacular national parks and quaint historic villages, this is where you find the good life!

Men's Stage Finishes: 18