Tour Down Under Women
The Tour Down Under Women is a UCI Women's WorldTour stage race held each January around Adelaide in South Australia. Often called the curtain raiser of the pro cycling season, it combines a blend of coastal roads and climbs of the Adelaide Hills including the famed Willunga Hill. First held in 2014, the event is known for its beautiful 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 Women?
The first edition of the Tour Down Under was held in 2014. It began as a small early season national race
Over time it grew significantly in prestige and eventually has seen the elite riders in the Women's World Tour peloton take to the start in Australia.
The inaugural edition was won by Dutch woman Loes Gunnewijk, and was dominated in the late 2010's by the Aussie Amanda Spratt.
Who has won the Tour Down Under Women the most times?
The rider with the most overall victories at the Tour Down Under is Australian rider Amanda Spratt. She won the race three times, in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
All winners can be found at this page.
What makes the Tour Down Under Women 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 Women 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 is the history of Willunga Hill at the Tour Down Under Women?
Willunga Hill has long been the signature climb of the men’s Tour Down Under. In 2024 it featured in the women’s race for the first time, where Sarah Gigante claimed the inaugural win, followed by Noemi Rüegg in 2025.
Which colour has the leader jersey of the Tour Down Under Women?
The leader of the Tour Down Under Women holds the ochre jersey. The colour was picked to reflect the landscapes and tones of South Australia region, giving the race an identity that is intertwined to the region. It is one of the unique leader jerseys in the sport.
Tour Down Under Men
Next to the women’s race, the Tour Down Under also features a men’s event. You can find all the details here.
