Celebrating its 25th outing the Santos Tour Down Under will return to Victor Harbor in 2025, with Willunga Hill again a highlight of both the men’s and women’s races.

All stages for the 2025 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) WorldTour men’s and women’s races were launched in Adelaide yesterday, Monday 24 June.

The women’s peloton will tackle two climbs up Willunga Hill for the first time and in another first, the men will descend its steep slopes.

Cycling fans can enjoy a combined 1,198 kilometres of action across 10 days, with the women’s race headlining the opening weekend, kick-starting on Friday 17 January with a fast-paced sprinters stage from Brighton to Aldinga.

The second stage is Unley to Willunga, with the challenging hill finish, while the Adelaide Hills host stage 3 with a Stirling start and finish.

The men’s race starts on Tuesday 21 January with stage 1 from Prospect to Gumeracha, followed by Stage 2 in the Barossa and Stage 3 Norwood to Uraidla.

The Fleurieu takes the limelight for the next two stages, Glenelg to Victor Harbor on Friday 24 January and McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill on Saturday 25 January.

Stage 4 will feature a journey across the Myponga Reservoir wall and a return to the Nettle Hill climb at Hindmarsh Valley that prompted plenty of drama when it featured in the 2023 race.

A loop through McLaren Vale vineyards will follow the descent of Willunga Hill on stage 5, with a change of direction leading to a double climb of Willunga Hill.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison says the race has been a staple on South Australia’s calendar since it began 25 years ago.

“This event means so much to South Australians. It showcases our state’s regions, brings communities together, and boosts our local economy. It's an incredible opportunity to put South Australia on the global stage and attract visitors from all over the world.”

“The economic benefits this iconic race had brought to the state across its 25 years was outstanding. This year’s race injected more than $87 million into our state’s economy, attracting a total attendance of 770,600 while showcasing South Australia’s regions to millions more around the world through the broadcast.”

Race Director Stuart O’Grady OAM says the 2025 route nods to the history of the race but also offers new elements that will test the elite international cyclists.

“We saw incredible vulnerability and emotion in so many of the athletes this year, in particular Sarah Gigante as she won up Willunga Hill – a climb that we will see women tackle twice for the first time in 2025.

“We’ve designed the routes to both challenge the riders and give fans the best possible opportunities to enjoy all the racing action up close.

“Some of the exciting new elements in the men’s race will see them ride down the face of Willunga for the first time followed by two ascensions, and a brand-new climb up Knotts Hill, Pound Road. Smart team tactics will be crucial for success in this edition of the Santos Tour Down Under.”

The Santos Tour Down Under is taking place in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 17-26 January 2025. It will feature nine days of elite racing for men and women.

Visit the Tour website for the full race programs for 2025.