The Festival of Cycling returns to the Fleurieu tomorrow with Stage Two of the Women’s Road Race.

Riders will start from Penny’s Hill Winery in Main Road, McLaren Vale at 11am and circuit through Willunga. They’ll then go back past the winery and through McLaren Flat towards Kuitpo Forest.

A challenging climb will take them through Prospect Hill, Meadows and Hahndorf before heading towards the expected 1.30pm finish at Echunga.

The first sprint of the day should take place at about 11.24am along the Main Road at McLaren Vale as the riders go back past the starting point at Penny’s Hill Winery.

The age of riders ranges from 17 to 48 and an early favourite is National Road Champion, Nicole Frain.

The riders will face wet and humid conditions as the region continues to feel the effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Tiffany.  

The festival will return to the Fleurieu again next week when Stage Three of the men’s race starts at the McLaren Vale Shopping Centre, Main Road, McLaren Vale at 11am

Their race will take them to the Aldinga Beach Esplanade and then up the punishing Willunga Hill.  

Both sprints in this stage will be along the Aldinga Beach Esplanade at approximately 12.14pm and 1.15pm. 

The race is expected to finish at Brookman Road on Willunga Hill at about 1.54pm.

Some road closures will be in place throughout the day.

The Festival of Cycling has temporarily replaced the Tour Down Under due to restrictions around COVID-19 and international travel.