Tour Down Under 2026: Five Hilly Stages and WorldTour Line-up

Introduction: Why the tour down under 2026 matters

The tour down under 2026 is the opening WorldTour stage race for the 2026 season in Australia, scheduled from 20 to 25 January. As an early-season event classified by the UCI as 2.UWT, it offers riders and teams a chance to test form, build momentum and score WorldTour points. For Australian fans and international squads, the race’s hilly profile can reveal contenders for the spring and summer campaigns, making it an important fixture on the calendar.

Main details and race format

Dates, classification and organisation

The Santos Tour Down Under runs from 20 to 25 January 2026 and is listed on the UCI calendar as a Class 2.UWT event. Event information is available via the race website (www.tourdownunder.com.au) and organiser contact ([email protected]).

Route and stages

The 2026 edition features five stages covering a total of 758.9 km across South Australia, with each day presenting hilly terrain suited to punchy climbers and strong all-rounders. Stages published for the event include:

• Stage 1 — 21 January: Tanunda to Tanunda, 120.6 km (hilly).
• Stage 2 — 22 January: Norwood to Uraidla, 148.1 km (hilly).
• Stage 3 — 23 January: Adelaide to Nairne, 140.8 km (hilly).
• Stage 4 — 24 January: Brighton to Willunga Hill, 176 km (hilly).
• Stage 5 — 25 January: Stirling to Stirling, 169.8 km (hilly).

Teams and startlist notes

ProCyclingStats lists a startlist featuring WorldTeams and professional squads, including Team Emirates – XRG (WT), CMA CGM Team (WT), BORA – hansgrohe (listed as Bull – BORA – hansgrohe in start data), Visma | Lease a Bike (WT) and invited Pro Teams. The startlist summary on ProCyclingStats also highlights rider statuses and notes such as DNF (did not finish) and DNS (did not start) for specific competitors in early stages.

Classifications contested

The race will award the usual classifications: general classification, sprints, mountains, young rider, most competitive rider(s) and team classification, offering multiple objectives for teams beyond the overall victory.

Conclusion: What to expect and significance

With five consecutive hilly stages and the classic Willunga Hill ascent on Stage 4, the tour down under 2026 is likely to favour strong climbers and aggressive all-rounders. As the first WorldTour race of the year, results will shape early-season narratives and provide valuable insights into team form ahead of major European races. Spectators should expect competitive racing across South Australian roads and teams using the event to refine tactics for the season ahead.