Cycling fans are in for a treat this summer with the Barossa Valley hosting an exciting double header during next year’s Santos Tour Down Under.
A women’s one-day circuit race around Tanunda has been announced, with the UCI ProSeries event delivering a fourth day of racing for the women’s peloton at the TDU, following the three-stage women’s race from January 17-19.
It means cycling fans are in for a full-day feast in the Barossa with the one-day circuit race immediately following Stage 1 of the men’s TDU with the two races to use the same start and finish line in Tanunda.
Riders in the women’s race will complete 12 laps of an 8km circuit, giving spectators plenty of opportunities to see all the colour and excitement of the peloton, before it is expected to finish with a bunch sprint after 96km.
January is expected to be the first time in TDU history all 15 UCI Women’s WorldTeams will be on the start line in South Australia.
Next year the women will have their own standalone race days as the men’s Classic, traditionally held on the Sunday evening, makes way for the international spotlight to be solely on the women’s peloton.
The CBD will instead host a prologue to open the men’s race on January 20 which begins just outside the City of Adelaide Tour Village in Victoria Square.
This year’s TDU was enjoyed by the biggest crowds since 2018 with 807,900 people attending the race, which achieved an all-time high expenditure of $98 million generating $62.5 million value added to the state’s economy.
Race director Stuart O’Grady said organisers were "always looking at ways to improve our event and taking a one-day race to regional South Australia to complement the three-stage women’s TDU is another exciting element of the program".
"Crowds in Tanunda and the Barossa are consistently some of the strongest we see for the whole Tour, and next year spectators can enjoy two world-class races on the same day," Mr O'Grady said.
"The circuit we’ve designed means spectators will have multiple opportunities to see the race go past and enjoy the unique atmosphere the Barossa always provides."
Barossa Mayor Bim Lange that the TDU put the Barossa on the world stage and that this year would be "even bigger and better".
"We’re thrilled to host a full day of racing and excited to welcome some of the best male and female cyclists in the world to our region,” Mr Lange said.
The 2026 Santos Tour Down Under will be held from January 16-25. Registrations for participation events including the Adelaide Epic Ride and RADL GRVL are now open, and more information is available at tourdownunder.com.au/ride (external site)
