Willunga Hill will not feature in next year’s Tour Down Under (TDU) with the race taking a new path in January 2023.

It will include a historic Riverbank prologue and a finish at the top of Mount Lofty for the return of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) WorldTour event.

Stages for the 2023 men’s race were launched last week, with new start and finish locations in the mix and fans invited to enjoy about 700 kilometres of action from Tuesday 17–Sunday 22 January.

The cyclists will race 156km from Brighton to Victor Harbor in stage two of the race, on Thursday 19 January.

Saturday in the southern vales will remain a feature, with stage four start in Port Willunga on 21 January and a 135.3km circuit around Aldinga, Tatachilla, McLaren Vale, McLaren Flat and Blewitt Springs, finishing in Willunga.

City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Simon McMahon is celebrating the news of the iconic race return.

“We’ve had a long and storied history with the Santos Tour Down Under, having hosted a stage for 21 consecutive years since the event’s inception in 1999,” he says.

“It’s a thrill to see the race headed back to our scenic vistas and historic townships in 2023, and to host a stage with a fresh new look.

“We know the event attracts visitors from around the world, generates millions in economic benefits, and broadcasts vision of our city across the globe, but it also creates excitement and inspiration in our communities.

“I can’t wait to see our streets lined with spectators and our food, wine and accommodation operators doing a roaring trade.”

Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison says the UCI WorldTour event will return with fresh energy and share the state at its best.

“Just over six months from now – both the men’s and women’s races will be held at the highest level of competition, and we are absolutely ready to share South Australia with a global audience once again.”

Race Director Stuart O’Grady OAM says race routes will test elite international riders as they compete in South Australia for the first time since 2020.

“The 2023 race routes have been designed to test our cyclists like never before whilst taking fans to the heart of the action.” 

He says Onkaparinga’s Stage 4 will be one for the sprinters.

The 2023 TDU Men’s Stages:

Saturday 14 January

Schwalbe Classic – Central Adelaide - A curtain-raiser event in the city.

Tuesday 17 January

EFEX Prologue – Adelaide Riverbank, 5.5km - An event first time trial.

Wednesday 18 January

Ziptrak Stage 1 – Tanunda to Tanunda, 150km.

Thursday 19 January

Stage 2 – Brighton to Victor Harbor, 156km - The first stage start in Brighton on the longest race leg via Aldinga, then two climbs before a finish in Victor Harbor.

Friday 20 January

Stage 3 – Norwood to Campbelltown, 118.5km - A big climbing day with three ascents of Norton Summit, Checkers Hill and Corkscrew Road.

Saturday 21 January

Stage 4 – Port Willunga to Willunga, 135.3km - Another event first start with a tour of the vines of McLaren Vale before a finish in Willunga. 

Sunday 22 January 

Stage 5 – Unley to Mount Lofty, 114km - Includes four passes of a 25-kilometre loop around Crafers and ascending Mount Lofty for the first time.

Stages for the Santos Tour Down Under women’s race, a new addition to the UCI Women’s WorldTour, will be launched later this year.

For more information on the 2023 Santos Tour Down Under visit the event website.

The Santos Tour Down Under is the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere, and the 10-day event brings both male and female UCI WorldTour professional cycling teams to race on the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia each January.

In 2020 the Santos Tour Down Under attracted 44,800 visitors from interstate and overseas, injecting $66.4 million into the South Australian economy and creating the equivalent of 742 full-time jobs.

The men’s race has been secured for South Australia for the next three years.