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Willunga Hill Reigns Supreme: 2019 TDU Men’s Race Routes Revealed

For the first time in the 20-year history of the race, the 2019 Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) will see the Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6 finale move out of the city for a regional hill top finish.

For the first time in the 20-year history of the race, the 2019 Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) will see the Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6 finale move out of the city for a regional hill top finish.

The Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Hon David Ridgway, confirmed today that the TDU’s Queen Stage, McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill, will be held on Sunday 20 January 2019.

The Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6 will be the grand finale for the race.

“The 2019 Santos Tour Down Under race routes are expected to challenge the world’s best cycling teams and riders whilst adding more elements of interest and entertainment for the fans,” said Minister Ridgway.

“It will be great to see the race return to Angaston in the Barossa for the first time since 2014, the Corkscrew Road climb which is a fan favourite on Stage 4 and the Challenge Tour now being held on a Saturday for the first time from Glenelg to Strathalbyn on Stage 5.

“We expect even more fans to line the road throughout the regions to cheer on their cycling heroes or simply enjoy a day out in South Australia with towns and regions showcasing our best food, wine and destination experiences as the race travels through.”

The 2018 Santos Tour Down Under attracted a record 46,000 visitors from interstate and overseas who travelled specifically to South Australia for the event, generating an economic impact of $63.7M, creating the equivalent of 774 full time jobs.

Race Director, Santos Tour Down Under, Mike Turtur and the team face the unenviable challenge each year to design a course for the race that will test the riders and create a spectacle for the fans.

“We knew we had to create something special for the 2019 event and deliver something a little different in terms of the race routes after the amazing race we had this year. We have decided to mix it up and make Willunga Hill the grand finale and probably now the deciding factor of the race’s result,” said Mike Turtur.

“It is important as a race that we keep everyone guessing and the rides challenged. We can’t be complacent.” “We are really excited about a first-time stage finish in Port Adelaide on Stage 1 with a 3.4 km finishing circuit especially after the huge crowds their start drew this year and will be interested to see how the punchy new 14 km Uraidla circuit on Stage 3 which will see the riders pass through seven times will be received,” said Mike Turtur.

Santos Managing Director and CEO Kevin Gallagher said this will be the tenth year Santos has been the naming rights sponsor of the TDU and he is looking forward to the 2019 event which will see the TDU celebrate 21 editions of the race.

“As South Australia’s leading natural gas company, we at Santos are proud to help power this world class event that delivers great economic and social benefits by promoting tourism and healthy lifestyles in our home state,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Our commitment to the Santos Tour Down Under is another significant investment in the local communities where our people live and work.”

“Cycling has a big future in Australia and internationally, so there is great alignment with Santos as a leading supplier of natural gas, a fuel for the future providing clean energy to improve the lives of people in Australia and Asia.”

The 2019 Santos Tour Down Under will be held 10 – 20 January 2019 starting with Stage 1 of the Santos Women’s Tour Down Under on Thursday 10 January.

Visit www.tourdownunder.com.au for all the latest news.

 

2019 TDU Men’s Race Routes Summary

Sunday 13 January 2019: People’s Choice Classic: East End Circuit (51 km)
Tuesday 15 January 2019: Stage 1: North Adelaide to Port Adelaide (132.4 km)
Wednesday 16 January 2019: Stage 2: Norwood to Angaston (149 km)
Thursday 17 January 2019: Stage 3: Lobethal to Uraidla (146.2 km)
Friday 18 January 2019: Stage 4: Unley to Campbelltown (129.2 km)
Saturday 19 January 2019: Stage 5: Glenelg to Strathalbyn (149.5 km)
Sunday 20 January 2019: Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6: McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill (151.5 km)

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