The opening stage of the 2019 Santos Tour Down Under starts from North Adelaide, not far from our Race Headquarters, the Adelaide Hilton.
The opening stage of the 2019 Santos Tour Down Under starts from North Adelaide, not far from our Race Headquarters. The route of the riders heads northeast toward the iconic Barossa Valley with a hilly stage. Port Adelaide will host the final of today’s stage. The ride along the coast to ‘Port’ is popular with …
The opening stage of the 2019 Santos Tour Down Under starts from North Adelaide, not far from our Race Headquarters. The route of the riders heads northeast toward the iconic Barossa Valley with a hilly stage. Port Adelaide will host the final of today’s stage. The ride along the coast to ‘Port’ is popular with local riders wanting a flat ride. We have great ride options for you today, depending on your riding goal.
For an easier ride, we’ll stick to the flats. We can enjoy a gradual start to the day before riding down to the Stage Start. Professional riders will also be riding to the start, so you’ll share the road with the cycling stars. They’ll make their final preparations in North Adelaide before they head out under neutral conditions – a great photo opportunity. As riders head toward the hills, we’ll head toward the beachfront and outer harbour. We will stop for lunch and arrive at Port Adelaide for the stage finish.
Our challenging ride today will head toward the hills, starting off with the beautiful Gorge Road, one of the most popular ways into the Adelaide Hills for cyclists. As we near the summit, we’ll take the short but challenging climb of Torrens Hill – this is another climb that Richie Porte has stamped his authority on the Santos Tour Down Under. It is similar to a climb you’d find in the spring classics races in Europe. After reaching the summit, we’ll cruise through the area known as Tea Tree Gully meeting up with the race at today’s KOM, Snake Gully. After seeing who takes the victory over the king of the Mountains, we will follow the riders downhill back to Adelaide. We may just call in for a cold beverage on our way back through Adelaide and catch the final moments of the today’s race on television.
Both of our rides will return to Hilton Adelaide mid afternoon, giving you lots of time to enjoy some of the Après Vélo (after bike) activities in Adelaide. This evening is free for you to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Adelaide, a city transformed during the week of Santos Tour Down Under.
TODAY IN THE RACE
Stage One
North Adelaide to Port Adelaide | 132.4 km
Start time: 11.00am
Finish time: 2.22pm ETA
KOM location: Snake Gully, One Tree Hill Rd
Sprint locations: North East Road, Inglewood