Tour Down Under – 2025
The Tour Down Under 2025 is gearing up to be one of the most exciting events in the global cycling calendar. As the premier race of the UCI World Tour, it attracts elite cyclists from around the world, eager to showcase their talents on the picturesque roads of South Australia. Whether you’re a seasoned cycling enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, this guide provides an in-depth look at the route, stages, and top riders to watch in the 2025 Tour Down Under.
Overview of Tour Down Under 2025
Held annually in January, the Tour Down Under marks the beginning of the professional cycling season. The 2025 edition promises a thrilling mix of flat sprints, challenging climbs, and strategic time trials, spread across six dynamic stages. Set against the stunning backdrop of South Australia’s diverse landscapes, the race offers both participants and spectators a unique and unforgettable experience.
Route of Tour Down Under 2025
The Tour Down Under 2025 route covers approximately 150 kilometers per stage, traversing some of South Australia’s most iconic regions. The race begins and ends in Adelaide, taking cyclists through coastal roads, rolling vineyards, and rugged terrains. Key segments of the route include:
Take a look at all the 2025 @SantosLtd Tour Down Under men’s stages 👀🚴♂️
Find out more here: https://t.co/CaqisYaOxZ#TourDownUnder pic.twitter.com/YEwAnJm1bz
— Santos Tour Down Under 🚴🚴♀️ (@tourdownunder) June 24, 2024
- Prospect to Gumeracha (Stage 1): The race kicks off in Prospect, navigating through scenic roads to the historic town of Gumeracha.
- Tanunda to Tanunda (Stage 2): A loop around Tanunda, located in the heart of the Barossa Valley, renowned for its world-class vineyards.
- Norwood to Uraidla (Stage 3): Riders will journey from the vibrant suburb of Norwood to the picturesque town of Uraidla.
- Glenelg to Victor Harbor (Stage 4): A coastal ride from the beachside suburb of Glenelg to the charming seaside town of Victor Harbor.
- McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill (Stage 5): A challenging ascent from McLaren Vale through the scenic Willunga Hill.
- Adelaide to Adelaide (Stage 6): The grand finale takes cyclists back to Adelaide for a spectacular finish.
Stages of Tour Down Under 2025
The Tour Down Under 2025 is divided into six meticulously planned stages, each offering distinct challenges and excitement:
Stage 1: Prospect to Gumeracha (150.7 km)
Date: Tuesday, 21 January 2025
Start: 11:10 AM, Prospect Road, Prospect
Finish: 3:21 PM, Albert Street, Gumeracha

The opening stage is a long and scenic ride from Prospect to Gumeracha. Riders will traverse through South Australia’s picturesque countryside, featuring rolling hills and charming rural landscapes. This stage sets the tone for the race, offering opportunities for breakaways and strategic positioning early in the Tour.
Stage 2: Tanunda to Tanunda (128.8 km)
Date: Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Start & Finish: 11:10 AM & 2:27 PM, Murray Street, Tanunda

A looped stage around Tanunda, situated in the renowned Barossa Valley. This stage highlights the region’s stunning vineyards and undulating terrain, making it ideal for sprinters and those looking to make tactical moves in a controlled environment. The scenic backdrop provides both riders and spectators with a quintessential South Australian experience.
Stage 3: Norwood to Uraidla (147.5 km)
Date: Thursday, 23 January 2025
Start: 11:10 AM, The Parade, Norwood
Finish: 3:01 PM, Greenhill Road, Uraidla

Known as the queen stage of the Tour Down Under, this route features a challenging ascent to Uraidla. Riders will test their climbing prowess and endurance on this mountainous terrain, making it a crucial stage for general classification contenders. The panoramic views from Uraidla offer a rewarding finish for those who conquer the climb.
Stage 4: Glenelg to Victor Harbor (157.2 km)
Date: Friday, 24 January 2025
Start: 11:10 AM, Colley Terrace, Glenelg
Finish: 3:21 PM, Esplanade, Victor Harbor

A coastal ride from Glenelg to Victor Harbor, this stage combines high-speed sections with scenic seaside roads. The flat to rolling terrain is perfect for sprinters aiming for stage victories, while the picturesque coastline provides a stunning backdrop for the race. Expect intense racing action as teams vie for dominance in the sprint finishes.
Stage 5: McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill (145.7 km)
Date: Saturday, 25 January 2025
Start: 11:10 AM, Main Road, McLaren Vale
Finish: 2:53 PM, Brookman Road, Willunga Hill

A decisive stage featuring a significant climb to Willunga Hill. Riders will navigate through the beautiful McLaren Vale region before tackling the challenging ascent, making it a key battleground for general classification contenders. The elevation gain and technical sections demand both strength and tactical acumen, potentially reshaping the overall standings.
Stage 6: Adelaide to Adelaide (90 km)
Date: Sunday, 26 January 2025
Start: 1:30 PM, King William Road, Adelaide
Finish: 3:30 PM, King William Road, Adelaide

The final stage is a grand finale in Adelaide, offering a fast-paced and exciting sprint showdown. Covering 90 kilometers, this stage promises a thrilling conclusion to the Tour Down Under, with riders competing for the final stage win and solidifying their positions in the general classification. The festive atmosphere in Adelaide ensures a memorable end to the race.
Top Riders to Watch in Tour Down Under 2025
The Tour Down Under 2025 boasts an impressive lineup of top-tier cyclists from around the world. Here are the top riders to keep an eye on:
General Top Riders:
1. Stephen Williams
Last year’s champion, Stephen Williams, returns to defend his title with the formidable Israel-Premier Tech team. In addition to being an excellent climber, Williams possesses a burst of speed that allows him to win reduced sprints, making him a versatile and dangerous contender in this year’s race.
2. Jay Vine
Jay Vine, the winner of the 2023 edition, is perhaps the best climber in the race this year. However, he faces a challenge with his descending skills, which could impact his overall performance in the mountainous stages. Vine’s climbing prowess makes him a key contender for the general classification.
3. Lucas Plapp
Lucas Plapp comes into the race fresh off winning the Australian National Time Trial Championship. A highly complete rider, Plapp’s all-around capabilities make him a strong competitor in various race scenarios, from time trials to sprint finishes.
4. Finn Fisher-Black
Debuting with his new team, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, Finn Fisher-Black is a young rider on a positive upward trajectory. It will be interesting to see how the team change affects his performance as he continues to evolve and make his mark in professional cycling.
5. Oscar Onley
Oscar Onley, the winner of the queen stage in last year’s edition, combines youth and talent as he enters a year of consolidation. Onley’s climbing strength and emerging tactical skills position him as a rider to watch for significant performances throughout the race.
6. William Junior Lecerf
Though very young, William Junior Lecerf boasts incredible potential. His ability to engage in hills and his resilience make him a rider to monitor closely, as he may challenge the favorites for a spot in the general classification.
Top Sprinters to Watch:
1. Sam Welsford
Sam Welsford brings what could be the best sprint team to the Tour Down Under. Having won three stages in last year’s edition, his dominance is further strengthened by the absence of strong rivals, making him an even more favored contender for sprint victories.
2. Phil Bauhaus
Phil Bauhaus, the main rival to Sam Welsford in the sprints, consistently finishes the year with significant World Tour victories despite not being a top-tier global sprinter.
3. Corbin Strong
Corbin Strong has already proven himself as a promising sprinter. However, he needs to demonstrate his capability to win in larger, more competitive scenarios.
4. Laurance Phitie
Laurance Phitie’s impressive sprinting prowess positions him as a dominant force in the high-speed sections of the race.
5. Arne Marit
Arne Marit is a young talent whose sprinting abilities shine when facing lower-tier competition. With the current field not featuring many high-caliber sprinters, Marit has a real opportunity to capitalize and secure multiple stage wins.