Tour Down Under
The Tour Down Under is a UCI WorldTour stage race held each January around Adelaide in South Australia. Often called the opening race of the pro cycling season, it combines city circuits, coastal roads and the climbs of the Adelaide Hills. First held in 1999, the event is known for its warm summer conditions, fan friendly atmosphere and the distinctive ochre leader jersey that reflects the region’s landscape.
When was the first edition of the Tour Down Under?
The first edition of the Tour Down Under was held in 1999. It began as a small early season race designed to bring top international teams to Australia during the European winter.
Over time it grew significantly in prestige and eventually became the first event outside Europe to join the UCI WorldTour.
The inaugural edition was won by Australian sprinter Stuart O’Grady, who later won the race again and who is now the race director of the Tour Down Under.
How did the Tour Down Under come into existence?
The Tour Down Under was created in 1999 with the support of South Australian Premier John Olsen as part of a plan to rebuild the state’s sporting calendar after the Australian Grand Prix moved from Adelaide to Melbourne.
The idea was to launch a major international cycling event during the Australian summer, giving teams a warm weather start to their season.
Since its inception the race has been owned and managed by the South Australian Government through Events South Australia, the events arm of the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Who has won the Tour Down Under the most times?
The rider with the most overall victories at the Tour Down Under is Australian rider Simon Gerrans. He won the race four times, in 2006, 2012, 2014 and 2016.
His consistency in the hilltop finishes and his ability to collect bonus seconds made him the dominant figure of the event for more than a decade.
Looking for an overview of all winners? Check this page.
What makes the Tour Down Under unique?
The Tour Down Under is unique because it opens the WorldTour season and offers racing in warm summer conditions while Europe is still in winter. The compact geography around Adelaide allows fans to access multiple points of the race with ease, creating a festival atmosphere.
It is also known for well designed stages that suit sprinters, puncheurs and climbers alike.
Where is the Tour Down Under held?
The Tour Down Under takes place in and around Adelaide in South Australia. The race uses a mix of city circuits, coastal roads, vineyard regions and the climbs of the Adelaide Hills.
This variety makes it one of the most accessible and spectator friendly races on the calendar.
What category race is the Tour Down Under?
The Tour Down Under is a UCI WorldTour event, which places it in the highest category of professional road cycling. It is the first WorldTour race of the season and attracts a strong field of teams and riders who use it as an early opportunity to test their form.
What is the history of Willunga Hill at the Tour Down Under?
Willunga Hill has become the signature climb of the Tour Down Under. It was first introduced in 2012 and later evolved into the decisive point of the race.
Richie Porte made history on the climb with a remarkable streak of victories that turned Willunga Hill into one of the most recognisable early season tests in professional cycling.
Which colour has the leader jersey of the Tour Down Under?
The leader of the Tour Down Under wears the ochre jersey. The colour was chosen to reflect the landscapes and earthy tones of South Australia, giving the race an identity that is strongly tied to the region. It is one of the most distinctive leader jerseys in the sport.
Tour Down Under Women
Next to the men's race, the Tour Down Under also features a women's event. You can find all the details here.
