Festival Of Cycling
WORDS BY: Nat Bromhead
The action kicks off with a teams presentation in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga on Friday, January 16, followed by the women’s race from January 17 to 19 covering more kilometres than ever, and a revamped men’s race from January 20 to 25. All 15 women’s WorldTeams are set to be on the start line in Adelaide for the women’s race. And the CBD will roar to life on Tuesday, January 20 when the men’s race begins with an inner-city prologue. Last held as part of the TDU in 2023, the race against the clock is returning for the 2026 event, complete with the time trial-style start ramp and hot seat for the leader. The 3.6km prologue will begin just outside the City of Adelaide Tour Village in Victoria Square, taking riders east on Wakefield Street, south on East Terrace and entering Victoria Park via Halifax Street where they will do one lap and finish in front of the heritage grandstand. It means the race for the Santos Ochre Leader’s Jersey will be on in earnest from the opening day before the sprinter and climber-friendly stages showcase the state’s internationally renowned natural beauty through the hills and along the coast. Women’s Highlights Include: And In The Men’s Race: Race Director Stuart O’Grady said the 2026 edition will be the most exciting ever. “Feedback from men’s teams was they wanted a more attacking race, so we have brought the prologue back which creates an opportunity for riders targeting the ochre jersey to take time from the very first day,” he said. “I’m sure the atmosphere from the city to Victoria Park will rival any time trial anywhere in the world,” SOG added. “We’ve also added some new challenges like two climbs up Corkscrew Road that will be a real GC shaker, and the final day has moved from a sprint-friendly stage in the city to a really hard circuit around Stirling where anything could happen. “The peloton will do eight laps of a 21km circuit with plenty of short, punchy climbs which means the race for the ochre jersey could go down to the very last kilometre,” concluded O’Grady. Carlee Taylor, Assistant Race Director, said the level of women’s racing continues to improve every year. “Like the men, the feedback from riders and teams has been they want longer and harder stages,” said the former profesional. “So from day one of the season, we start with our longest ever women’s stage with 137km in Willunga which will be a great spectacle. Health Partners Stage 2 is our first ever start in Magill followed by an uphill finish in Paracombe which is sure to create some fireworks and suit the all-rounders. “But the most exciting addition to the race is Hyundai Stage 3 which starts in Norwood for the first time and includes two climbs up Corkscrew Road, the second ascent coming 5km before the finish in Campbelltown so we expect that to be very popular among spectators and the riders.” SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER WOMEN’S RACE Ziptrak Stage 1: Willunga to Willunga (137.4km), Saturday, January 17 Health Partners Stage 2: Magill to Paracombe (130.7km), Sunday, January 18 Hyundai Stage 3: Norwood to Campbelltown (126.5km), Monday, January 19 SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER MEN’S RACE PROLOGUE: Adelaide (3.6km), Tuesday, January 20 Stage 1: Tanunda to Tanunda (120.6km), Wednesday, January 21 Health Partners Stage 2: Norwood to Uraidla (148.1km), Thursday, January 22 Ziptrak Stage 3: Henley Beach to Nairne (140.8km), Friday, January 23 THINK! Road Safety Stage 4: Brighton to Willunga Hill (176km), Saturday, January 24 efex Stage 5: Stirling to Stirling (169.8km), Sunday, January 25 Bicycle Network and Ride On magazine will be at the 2026 TDU – Stay tuned to our socials for updates! The power and versatility of an e-cargo bike makes it a real alternative to replace your car for your daily commute, trips to school or the shops, or exploring your city. It will save you time, money, and stress – and leave you happier and healthier in the process. The KADe comes with all the features you’ll need but at half the price of its more established competitors. Plus, you’ve got the option of a free 30-day test ride. If you are considering an e-cargo bike, the KADe must be on your list. Visit your local Reid store or check out their Please note, since this review was published, Reid have now released the KADe in grey.
2026 Tour Down Under Details Unveiled
Adelaide will again be cycling central when the Santos Tour Down Under returns for a 10-day festival from January 16-25, 2026.
Stuart O’Grady & Carlee Taylor’s Take
The Stages
The last word
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