Willunga Hill removed from Tour Down Under stage 4 following extreme fire danger rating

The Santos Tour Down Under has been forced to modify the race route for stage four with the removal of the iconic Willunga Hill due to the extreme fire danger rating and forecast temperatures of up to 43 degrees.

While the route to Willunga remains unchanged, the Willunga Hill climb has been removed entirely, with the stage now finishing on High Street in the Willunga township. This is the same finishing location used for stage 1 of the women’s race, won by Ally Wollaston. The revised stage distance will be shorter at 131km compared to the original 176km.

“While the removal of the famous Willunga Hill climb is disappointing news for cycling fans, ultimately rider and spectator safety is always the number one priority for our event,” said race organiser Stuart O’Grady in an official statement.

“Following consultation with emergency services authorities, riders and the UCI, we have agreed to proceed with a modified program for Saturday’s racing,” added O’Grady.

The removal of Willunga Hill is particularly significant given the 2026 edition was shaping up as one of the hardest in the race’s history, with an unprecedented three ascents of the climb on the menu, which would be key in defining the general classification battle.

Following Sam Welsford’s first victory in the colours of Ineos Grenadiers in a sprint on stage 3 in Nairne, one team already has firm control of the Ochre jersey heading into stage 4. 

2023 champion Jay Vine of UAE Team Emirates-XRG leads the standings following his victory on stage 2, alongside teammate and defending champion Jhonatan Narváez, who sits in second overall at 0:06. Narváez secured his overall win twelve months ago on Willunga Hill. Meanwhile, Jayco AlUla’s Mauro Schmid sits third at 1:05.

Looking ahead, organisers expect stage 5 to proceed as planned, and another tough stage awaits, with the overall winner of the Santos Tour Down Under to be decided in the Adelaide Hills. The final stage to Stirling is set to play a decisive role, featuring a demanding new circuit starting and finishing in the town.

The centrepiece of the finale is the 2.8km ascent to Stirling, averaging four per cent but pitching up to 11 per cent in places, gradients that could provide the perfect launchpad for attacks.

O’Grady has described the finale as “almost like a world championship or national championship-style circuit,” promising aggressive racing and a dramatic ending to the 2026 Santos Tour Down Under, even with the loss of one of the race’s most famous climbs.