Australia’s biggest cycling event the Santos Tour Down Under is closing in fast and in January 2025 celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Held in Adelaide and surrounds from January 16 to 26, the milestone 25th event is not just a bike race but a festival that brings together fans, bike riders, and communities for ten days of elite racing and local festivities.
Racing Action
The TDU kicks off the WorldTour calendar, offering fans an early look at the form and fitness of top international cyclists in both the men’s and women’s races.
Stages will challenge riders with new climbs and sprint finish action plus a blast from the past – the Adelaide city criterium course. Stuart O’Grady, the inaugural winner of the TDU in 1999 and current Race Director, has introduced thrilling changes to the 2025 routes, promising fierce competition.
Festival Highlights
At the heart of the TDU is the Tour Village in Adelaide’s Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, where fans can watch live race broadcasts, enjoy happy hour at bars, and attend panel discussions with cycling legends like Cadel Evans and Andre Greipel. The Village also hosts the largest bike expo in the Southern Hemisphere, showcasing the latest cycling technology and gear.
Community Events
The TDU isn’t only for the pros; it offers plenty for casual riders and families, too:
• Adelaide Epic Ride: Cycle part of the official race course, with options from 20 to 120 kilometers.
• RADL GRVL: Join pro cyclist Tiffany Cromwell and F1 driver Valtteri Bottas for an adventurous gravel ride.
• Health Partners Family Ride: Ride a lap of the Down Under Classic circuit with champion cyclist Anna Meares.
• The Carpark Climb and Vardon Avenue Street Party: Experience high-energy events in Adelaide’s East End.
New Additions
This year introduces the ProVelo Super League, a domestic cycling competition, and the revival of the Telstra Legends’ Night dinner after a five-year break. Both events bring fans closer to local and international talent.
Another Stage for Women
The 2025 Santos Tour Down Under concludes with the thrilling encore of more women’s racing. The Schwalbe Women’s One-Day Classic will be held on Sunday 26 January on the same city route as Schwalbe Men’s Stage 6. This Australia Day special will give fans the exclusive opportunity to see the world’s best women’s and men’s riders racing over the same city streets as a huge finale to the 25th Tour Down Under.
Former professional rider and Olympian Annette Edmondson said she is proud to see the growth and continued development of the women’s Tour Down Under.
“We now have four days of world-class women’s racing to look forward to,” she said. “Four opportunities for elite riders to launch their seasons and four days for them to earn as much prize money as the men.”
Join RideOn Magazine at the Santos Tour Down Under this January for a thrilling mix of racing, festivities, and community. For more information, visit tourdownunder.com.au.
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