The 2017 Santos Tour Down Under race routes have been unveiled today at the event’s official launch.

For the first time Hostworks Stage 1 will start in Unley and head north through the heart of the city along King William Street past the Tour Village and along O’Connell Street to Prospect Road. 

Five laps of Stirling, a 13km finishing circuit in Victor Harbor and a suburban start and finish for Bupa Stage 4 to coincide with the Bupa Challenge Tour, are also new additions. 

Paracombe returns as a stage finish and the peloton will make their Port River Expressway debut, whilst Wakefield Street will set the backdrop for the People’s Choice Classic. 

Minister for Tourism Leon Bignell said as the biggest cycling event outside of Europe, the Santos Tour Down Under continues to grow and deliver a world class event each year. 

“This year’s race attracted a record number of spectators, with 795,000 people lining the streets in Adelaide and the regions, generating a record-breaking $49.6 million into the state’s visitor economy,” said the Minister.

“Whilst this year’s record results speak for themselves, the TDU is constantly looking at ways to improve and deliver an even better experience as well as promote South Australia on the world stage. 

“I’d like to congratulate Events South Australia Director Hitaf Rasheed and Race Director Mike Turtur for once again coming up with a sensational looking race for 2017.

“It is excellent to see the race returning to the Adelaide Hills town of Paracombe for the Staging Connections Stage 2 finish after a successful first up inclusion in the race in 2015. The competition is set to be fierce on this stage, especially as the riders will descend on Norton Summit and travel up the Gorge. 

“For the first time, we will have a suburban finish for Bupa Stage 4 and the Bupa Challenge Tour. We expect a massive turn out and ground swell of support in Campbelltown.”

Santos Tour Down Under, Race Director, Mike Turtur, said year on year there is the challenge to develop race routes that are competitive for the riders to create a balance of stages to suit sprinters, climbers or all rounders. 

“I am really pleased with the course we have set for 2017,” said Mike Turtur.

“For the first time the peloton will depart Unley and travel north directly through the city, past the Tour Village and along King William Road and onto O’Connell Street in race neutral. We are encouraging and want all of the businesses to come out and cheer on the peloton. 

“We expect Stage 3 to be a day for the sprinters with the new 13km finishing circuit in Victor Harbor.”

Brett Woods, Vice President Development, Santos said that this year, the Santos Tour Down Under achieved record breaking results, further cementing its place as a world class event providing substantial economic benefit for South Australia. 

“We are pleased to be able to continue to contribute to the event’s success,” said Brett Woods.

“The 2017 event will see us involved with our eighth edition of the race once again giving us the opportunity to connect with families and the wider community through the Santos Best Dressed Town Competition.“

Like in 2015, the key stages are likely to be the traditional queen stage to Willunga Hill and the stage to Paracombe.

The 2017 Santos Tour Down Under will be held from Saturday 14 January until Sunday 22 January.

The 2017 Santos Women’s Tour will be held from 14 – 17 January, and race routes will be announced later in 2016. 

The 2017 Santos Tour Down Under will traverse the following routes: 

Saturday 14 January 2017 – Team Presentation, Victoria Square 
Sunday 15 January 2017 – People’s Choice Classic, Wakefield Street Circuit, 50.6km 
Monday 16 January 2017 – Rest Day (for men’s racing) 
Tuesday 17 January 2017 – Hostworks Stage 1, Unley to Lyndoch, 145km 
Wednesday 18 January 2017 – Staging Connections Stage 2, Stirling to Paracombe, 148.5km 
Thursday 19 January 2017 – Stage 3, Glenelg to Victor Harbor, 144km 
Friday 20 January 2017 – Bupa Stage 4, Norwood to Campbelltown, 149.5km 
Saturday 21 January 2017 – Bike Exchange Stage 5, McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill, 151.5km 
Sunday 22 January 2017 – Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6, Adelaide Street Circuit, 90km