Jai Hindley named as first headline rider for 2027 Tour Down Under

Jai Hindley is the first headline rider confirmed for the 2027 Tour Down Under, with the Australian leading Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in the opening WorldTour race of the season.

Hindley recently signed a new contract with Red Bull lasting until 2028 and will again be Grand Tour leader alongside Remco Evenepoel, Giulio Pellizzari, Florian Lipowitz. Primož Roglič's time with the team has ended, with the veteran Slovenian still to confirm if he will race on in 2027 or retire.

The 30-year-old from Perth has not raced at the Tour Down Under since 2023 but will begin his 2027 season early, with New Zealand teammate Laurence Pithie, expected to join him in the seven-rider squad. Hindley made his Tour Down Under debut with the Australian national team in 2017 and raced again in 2019, 2020 and 2023.

Hindley is one of just two Australians, alongside Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, to have won a Grand Tour. He finished third at the 2026 Giro d'Italia and then rode for Remco Evenepoel at the Tour de France.

"I haven’t raced the Tour Down Under since 2023, so I’m really looking forward to returning," Hindley said.

"It’s a great way to kick off the season, racing in the Australian summer and on home roads in front of the Aussie fans.

“The support for the Australian riders is always fantastic, and there’s such a great atmosphere around the race. It’s always a fun event to be part of, and I’m excited to get the 2027 season under way with what I’m sure will be a strong team.

The 2027 Tour Down Under begins on January 19, with a 164.9km road stage. 

The men race for six days, with stage 5 to Willunga Hill likely to be decisive before a final stage to Sterling in the Adelaide Hills. The women's race is over three stages and covers the same stage distances, aligning with the final three stages of the men's race.

"We are thrilled to welcome Jai back to the Santos Tour Down Under and I’m sure all cycling fans will be excited to watch him in action on South Australian roads," race director Stuart O’Grady said.

“He holds a significant place in Australian cycling history as a Grand Tour winner, and at the age of 30 he remains in the prime of his career so we are getting to see the best of him.

“The course suits his characteristics with his all-round ability complemented nicely by his ability to climb with the best in the peloton.

“I’m sure Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe will again field a strong team to open the UCI WorldTour season, and having Jai here along with New Zealander Laurence Pithie brings some real quality to the peloton."