The race routes for the 2016 Santos Tour Down Under have been announced today, marking the countdown to next year’s event.

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the routes include a return to some old favourites and the inclusion of Norton Summit road, an iconic South Australian climb.

The stages for the 2016 Santos Tour Down Under are:

Down Under Classic (Adelaide) – 51 km – Sunday, January 17
Stage 1 – Prospect to Lyndoch – 130.8 km – Tuesday, January 19
Stage 2 – Unley to Stirling – 132 km – Wednesday, January 20
Stage 3 – Glenelg to Campbelltown – 139 km – Thursday, January 21
Bupa Stage 4 – Norwood to Victor Harbor – 138 km – Friday, January 22
Bike Exchange Stage 5 – McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill – 151.5 km – Saturday, January 23
Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6 – Adelaide – 90 km – Sunday, January 24

“Race Director Mike Turtur has once again developed a race with both the cyclist and spectator in mind,” Mr Bignell said.

“The stages are challenging, competitive and offer great vantage points for viewing by adding in more loops across regional stages.

“Stage 1 will set the scene for a big six days of racing as we welcome Prospect back for the start, finishing in the Barossa town of Lyndoch for the first time.

“It is good to see Corkscrew Hill Rd as part of Stage 3 and who could forget Cadel’s stirring win on the stage into Campbelltown in 2014. 

“The 2016 event will be bigger and better than ever before. There was $6 million in extra funding over four years in this year’s State Budget to further focus on the integration of women’s cycling, grow the TV broadcast and look at more international marketing.

“In 2015 the TDU generated a record $47.9 million into the economy, attracting 786,022 spectators. More than 600 FTE jobs were also created.”

Mr Bignell is also unveiling a new 2016 TDU television commercial today.

“The aim of the commercial is to create awareness of the world-class event and showcase the proximity of the race to unique South Australian destinations and also the proximity of the riders to the actual crowds.

“The new commercial has had the soundtrack specifically written by a South Australian composer, classically trained Christopher Larkin.”

Mike Turtur said the race will travel 781.3 km across the six stages, including 72.7 km of new roads. 

“It is important we look at ways to keep the race fresh for both the riders and the fans,” he said.

“The race will include three laps through Lyndoch, five complete laps through Stirling and three through Willunga giving fans the chance to set up roadside for the day to soak up the atmosphere and see a lot of the action from one location.”

Santos will celebrate its seventh year as naming rights sponsor in 2016. Manager Community and Corporate Responsibility John Phalen said Santos was thrilled to be a part of the event.

“Each year the Santos Festival of cycling brings together communities across South Australia to celebrate sport and all that the state has to offer,” Mr Phalen said.

“Communities come alive as they welcome the event into their neighbourhoods with hundreds of spectators lining the streets and festivities planned at every stage.

“The inaugural Santos Women’s Tour this year was an exciting addition to the event and we look forward to seeing it return in 2016.”

The 2016 Santos Tour Down Under will kick off on Saturday 16 January with the Team Presentation and free concert in Victoria Square and conclude on Sunday 24 January with family day and the final day of racing in the city.