The week-long event brings the top World Tour professional cycling teams to race on the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia each January. Adelaide has become a great place for this cycling event and a great place to ride. A city large enough to have all of the facilities you could want. But it is also small enough for cyclists to take over the precinct for an entire week. Up for grabs are important UCI World Tour points and the Santos Tour Down Under Ochre Leader’s Jersey.
Tour Down Under
Experience Cycling’s World-First Race Format
The 2027 Santos Tour Down Under will make cycling history as the first UCI WorldTour event to feature men’s and women’s racing on the same course, over the same distance and on the same day.
Taking place from 19–24 January 2027 (subject to final UCI approval), the Santos Tour Down Under once again opens the UCI WorldTour season, bringing the world’s best cyclists to South Australia for six days of world-class racing, festival atmosphere and unforgettable cycling experiences.
The new format will see the men’s and women’s pelotons racing the same stages throughout the final weekend, creating an exciting new chapter for one of the most popular events on the international cycling calendar. With larger crowds, expanded race coverage and an even bigger festival atmosphere, 2027 promises to be one of the most anticipated editions in the event’s history.
At Bikestyle Tours, we put you in the heart of the action. Choose from our 5 Day Premium Weekend Tour or our 10 Day Premium Tour and experience the race from the saddle. Ride the famous roads of the Adelaide Hills, climb many of the same routes used by the professionals and enjoy front-row race viewing throughout the week.
Beyond the racing, you’ll experience the best of South Australian cycling. Ride through the vineyards of the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills, enjoy spectacular coastal roads and discover why Adelaide has become one of Australia’s favourite cycling destinations.
With experienced guides, support vehicles, premium accommodation and nearly three decades of cycling tour expertise, Bikestyle Tours delivers the most complete Santos Tour Down Under experience available.
Don’t just watch the Tour Down Under. Ride it.
The Santos Tour Down Under is a premier cycling race in Adelaide, marking the start of the UCI World Tour with top international teams competing each January.
UPCOMING TRIPS
- January 21, 2027
- 5 Days
- Australia Cycling Tours
- 17th to 25th January, 2027
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Australia Cycling Tours
- January 17, 2026
- 10 Days
- Australia Cycling Tours
- January 22, 2026
- 5 Days
- Australia Cycling Tours
About our Tour Down Under tours
We’ve been organising cycling tours for over 20 years. Book your holiday with Bikestyle Tours and enjoy the cycling tour of a lifetime!
Spectators
Watch the tour up close while exploring and sight-seeing some of the worlds most charming and amazing locations. Every year we host a range of tours suitable for spectators.
Social Riders
Aside from watching key stages of the race, you’ll enjoy guided rides with fellow riders as you cycle through beautiful routes along the tour. We design rides in a variety of difficulty levels so you can choose the type of ride you want each day.
Experienced Riders
The ultimate cycling holiday for the avid. Watch the famous races while cycling through many of the same roads as the pros. Designed for experienced and seasoned riders, these tours offer epic rides and plenty of miles and challenging climbs along the way.
About the Tour Down Under
The Tour Down Under is unquestionably the most prestigious cycling event in the world.
30 years of experience
The Most Experienced Tour Operator at the Grand Tours
For more than 30 years, Bikestyle Tours has been designing and delivering premium cycling experiences around the world.
From the iconic climbs of Europe’s Grand Tours to spectacular coastal routes, alpine passes and culturally rich regions across multiple continents, we create cycling holidays that combine exceptional riding with unforgettable travel experiences.
With decades of operational expertise, we offer a range of thoughtfully crafted itineraries to suit different riding abilities, interests and holiday styles. Each journey is supported by professional guides, quality accommodation, premium transportation and seamless logistics, ensuring every detail is taken care of from start to finish.
Our tours go beyond the standard tourist experience. We connect guests with authentic local culture, regional cuisine and the unique character of each destination, all while enjoying some of the world’s most rewarding cycling routes. Whether you join us in Europe, Australia or further afield, Bikestyle Tours delivers world-class cycling adventures built on experience, passion and a genuine love for the sport.
I can’t speak highly enough of my experiences with Bikestyle. Every team member I’ve encountered couldn’t be friendlier or more helpful, plus I’ve really enjoyed the company of my fellow cyclists on these trips. My photo collection from my Bikestyle trips puts a smile on my face every time I look at it!
I can’t speak highly enough of my experiences with Bikestyle. Every team member I’ve encountered couldn’t be friendlier or more helpful, plus I’ve really enjoyed the company of my fellow cyclists on these trips. My photo collection from my Bikestyle trips puts a smile on my face every time I look at it!
I can’t speak highly enough of my experiences with Bikestyle. Every team member I’ve encountered couldn’t be friendlier or more helpful, plus I’ve really enjoyed the company of my fellow cyclists on these trips. My photo collection from my Bikestyle trips puts a smile on my face every time I look at it!
Learn all about the Tour Down Under
The Tour Down Under Explained
Each January, around 140 riders line up for the Tour Down Under, the opening event of the UCI WorldTour season. The race runs over 6 stages, covering roughly 800–900km around Adelaide and South Australia.
The racing is fast and dynamic, with sprint stages, rolling terrain, and short climbs shaping the overall standings. Willunga Hill is the key moment of the race, where the general classification is often decided.
With warm weather, open roads, and easy access, the Tour Down Under offers a more relaxed but still highly competitive race environment.
It’s the start of the season, where form begins to show and the racing begins again.
What Makes the Tour Down Under Special
The Tour Down Under feels different from the start.
It’s the opening race of the season, and there’s a sense of freshness as riders return to competition.
The Australian culture plays a big role in shaping the event. It’s relaxed, friendly, and welcoming, with a strong community feel around each stage. Locals line the roads, events run throughout the week, and the race has a festival-like atmosphere.
The setting adds to it. Coastal roads, vineyards, and the Adelaide Hills create a backdrop that’s both scenic and accessible.
With warm weather, open roads, and easy access, it’s one of the most enjoyable and inclusive events on the calendar.
The Jerseys
- Ochre Jersey: Overall race leader
Awarded to the rider with the lowest cumulative time across all stages and worn by the race leader. - Green Jersey (Points Classification): Best sprinter
Points are awarded at stage finishes and intermediate sprints, favouring consistent high placings. - Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains): Best climber
Points are earned on categorised climbs, including the key ascent of Willunga Hill. - White Jersey: Best young rider
Awarded to the top-performing young rider based on overall classification.
Key Highlights of the Race
- Willunga Hill
The defining climb of the race, often deciding the overall winner and attracting large crowds. - Fast Sprint Stages
High-speed racing with multiple sprint opportunities, often finishing in city circuits or regional towns. - Accessible Routes
Open roads and close viewing points make it easy to experience multiple parts of the race. - Adelaide Finish
City-based finishes create a vibrant atmosphere and a strong connection between riders and spectators.
Tour Down Under FAQ's
1. Is the Tour Down Under worth attending?
Yes, it’s one of the most accessible WorldTour events, with great weather and close-up viewing opportunities.
2. Can you ride the Tour Down Under course?
Yes, most roads are open and popular with amateur riders before and during the event.
3. What is the best stage at the Tour Down Under?
Willunga Hill is the key stage and often decides the overall winner.
4. How hot is the Tour Down Under?
Temperatures can be high, often above 30°C, so hydration and planning are important.
5. Is the Tour Down Under beginner friendly?
Yes, both for spectators and cyclists, with manageable terrain and good access.
6. How does it compare to European cycling tours?
It’s more relaxed, less crowded, and easier to navigate while still offering elite-level racing.
Seeing the Tour Down Under live is relaxed, accessible, and incredibly close to the action.
The day has a different feel from European races. You can move easily between locations, find a great viewing spot without the pressure of large crowds, and watch the race from multiple points along the course.
As the race approaches, the atmosphere builds in a laid-back, festival-style way. Then the riders come through at speed, the peloton tight, the racing sharp, and close enough to fully appreciate the pace and skill.
On climbs like Willunga Hill, you can watch the race unfold more gradually, seeing the breakaways, then the key contenders, each rider pushing for position.
You can also be part of the event in a different way. Riding the same roads, stopping at local cafés or wineries, and then watching the world’s best riders take on the same terrain.
It’s an experience that feels open, social, and genuinely connected to the sport.
