Prologue

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

MEN'S

Start
6:00 PM
Wakefield Road, Adelaide

Finish
8:30 PM
Victoria Park, Adelaide

Distance
3.6km

MEN'S
Start
6:00 PM
Wakefield Road, Adelaide
Finish
8:30 PM
Victoria Park, Adelaide
Distance
3.6km

GPS Map (GPX)

Route Map

ABOUT THE PROLOGUE

City buzz is certain as we open with an individual time trial for just the second time in race history – a move set to test any general classification contenders who lose precious seconds on day one.

Our 3.6-kilometre prologue will begin just beyond the City of Adelaide Tour Village in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga and continue east to finish after a lap of the Victoria Park criterium circuit.

Riders are set to stay close to home, warming up in their team booths before descending from the start ramp and pushing hard for the line.

Shorter, dynamic cyclists are expected to dominate here, with the leader to take their place in our hot seat while the action plays out. A special exemption means cyclists will contest the prologue on road rather than time-trial bikes, as was the case when this curtain-raiser made its 2023 debut.

Read our detailed stage guide.

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.

Spectator Stage Guide

Adelaide comes alive for the Prologue, with fast-paced racing through the CBD and into Victoria Park. From pre-race coffee to post-race drinks, the city’s best cafés, bars and eateries are just steps from the action.

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.

Explore Adelaide

Adelaide is bursting with culture, flavours, events and entertainment. Taste the world-famous wine regions only minutes from the city or indulge in award-winning restaurants in the heart of Adelaide.

Presented by

We thank the City of Adelaide for hosting the Prologue and for their invaluable contribution to the Santos Tour Down Under.

Host Council

Experience the City of Adelaide — the vibrant heart of South Australia and home of the Santos Tour Down Under. Each January, the city comes to life with colour, energy and celebration as riders race through our streets and fans gather to see the action. In 2026, we’re proud to continue our support for Australia’s premier cycling event.

Men's Stage Starts: 46
Men's Stage Finishes: 21