• Adelaide 19 – 26 January 2014
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What is the Santos Tour Down Under?

The Santos Tour Down Under is a UCI WorldTour road cycling event. The UCI WorldTour is the highest possible ranking for a cycling event. The Santos Tour Down Under was the first event to be added onto the UCI WorldTour calendar in the southern hemisphere. It is also the first event on the calendar each year. Not only is it an international, world class cycling event, the Santos Tour Down Under is a festival celebrating cycling at the highest level. The Santos Tour Down Under offers something for everyone.

What year was the first Santos Tour Down Under held?

The first Santos Tour Down Under was held in January 1999.

When is the Santos Tour Down Under held?

The Santos Tour Down Under is held annually, typically in the third week of January. The 2013 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide, South Australia from 20-27 January 2013.

Why is the Santos Tour Down Under held at this time of year?

The Santos Tour Down Under is the first race of the UCI WorldTour season. It is held at this time of year as this is the scheduled timeslot allocated by the UCI on the international cycling calendar.

How many different towns did the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under travel through?

The 2010 Santos Tour Down Under travelled through 60 towns in South Australia.

How many kilometres did the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under travel?

The 2010 Santos Tour Down Under traversed 794.5 kilometres throughout metropolitan and regional South Australia.

How many stages are there in the Santos Tour Down Under?

There are six stages in the Santos Tour Down Under, which is preceded by the People's Choice Classic.

What is the People's Choice Classic and why is it held?

The People's Choice Classic is a closed circuit road race. It is held as a preview to the six stages of the Santos Tour Down Under. It traditionally kicks off the Santos Festival of Cycling.

Who is the Race Director of the Santos Tour Down Under?

Mike Turtur is the Santos Tour Down Under's Race Director. He has a strong history with cycling as an Olympic Gold Medallist (1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Track Cycling, Team Pursuit) and was appointed in 2008 as Oceania President, UCI.

Who competes in the Santos Tour Down Under?

All UCI WorldTour teams must compete in the Santos Tour Down Under. This means 133 of the world's best cyclists (19 teams with seven riders per team) make up the peloton at the Santos Tour Down Under. The Santos Tour Down Under also includes the Australian National UniSA team in the competition, alongside the 18 UCI WorldTour teams.

What is the Ochre jersey?

The Santos Ochre Leader's Jersey is awarded to the rider with the fastest cumulative time at the end of each stage and to the overall winner at the end of the race. The ochre colour was introduced in 2006, a colour which is strongly associated with Australia and unique to the Santos Tour Down Under.

How many jerseys are awarded in the Santos Tour Down Under?

The Santos Tour Down Under awards six jerseys throughout the race. Read more about the different jerseys.

On what guidelines is the Santos Tour Down Under race component staged?

The Santos Tour Down Under is sanctioned by the UCI and is staged according to the UCI WorldTour guidelines.

Who owns the Santos Tour Down Under?

The Santos Tour Down Under is owned and managed by the Government of South Australia on behalf of all South Australians.

How is the Santos Tour Down Under funded?

The Santos Tour Down Under is partially funded by the South Australian Government, with all other revenue generated through corporate partnerships, valuable event sponsors and sales from associated events.

How much economic benefit does the Santos Tour Down Under generate for South Australia?

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under generated $42.2m in economic benefit for South Australia.

How many spectators and visitors attend the Santos Tour Down Under?

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under attracted 760,600 spectators and 36,100 event specific visitors. Event specific visitors are those visitors who have travelled to South Australia from interstate and overseas to attend the Santos Tour Down Under.

Is the Santos Tour Down Under telecast on television?

Yes, the Santos Tour Down Under is telecast annually on television in Australia and around the world. Telecast times are published on the Santos Tour Down Under website when confirmed.

How can I get involved with the Santos Tour Down Under?

There are many ways for you to become involved with the Santos Tour Down Under. The Santos Tour Down Under wants you to be a part of Australia's premier international cycling event. Join the festival of cycling and revel in the opportunity to be a part of the Santos Tour Down Under. Ride in the ŠKODA Breakaway Series, volunteer, join Club Tour, attend the Legends' Night Dinner or go to one of the many street parties.

Can I ride my bike and be a part of the Santos Tour Down Under?

Yes! The Bupa Challenge Tour presented by The Advertiser, one of two official recreational rides of the Santos Tour Down Under, for the youngsters, there is the Bupa Mini Tour for Kids presented by UniSA.

How does the Santos Tour Down Under decide where to go?

Twelve months of planning, negotiations, operational logistics and technical racing requirements by the Race Director and event team determine where the Santos Tour Down Under will travel.

How do towns and host councils get involved with future events?

Expressions of interest from host councils and regional towns in South Australia are welcome in regards to the opportunity to be involved with future events. Contact the Event Manager from the Santos Tour Down Under team. All towns involved with the Santos Tour Down Under are no more than a 1.5 hour drive from the city of Adelaide.

When are race routes announced for the coming event?

Race routes for the coming Santos Tour Down Under are generally announced in the July prior to the next January, during the Tour de France.

Where can I buy Santos Tour Down Under merchandise?

Official 2013 Santos Tour Down Under merchandise will be available to purchase online. Graphpak Australia is the official supplier of all Santos Tour Down Under merchandise.

Official 2013 Santos Tour Down Under merchandise is also available for sale during the event at the Adelaide City Council Tour Village, at all start and finish locations.

Has any rider ever won the Santos Tour Down Under twice?

Yes. South Australia's Stuart O'Grady won overall honours in the 1999 and 2001 Santos Tour Down Under, while Germany's André Greipel won overall in 2008 and 2010.

Can I volunteer to be a part of the Santos Tour Down Under?

Volunteers play a vital part in the running of the Santos Tour Down Under. Joining the Santos Tour Down Under team as a volunteer is a great way to experience an international sporting event first hand. Roles are wide and varied. Read more abot volunteering.

Does the Santos Tour Down Under have information it can supply for my student assignment?

The Santos Tour Down Under has developed a student information kit to assist with school and university assignments and ensure you are using all of the most current information.


Download the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under student information kit
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Where is the best place to watch the Santos Tour Down Under?

Each stage of the Santos Tour Down Under has Jayco sprint locations, Powerade Hydration Stations and SKODA King of the Mountain locations. These are great locations to see some fast-paced action as well as starts and finishes.

Our Partners

  • Santos
  • Cancer Council SA
  • Adelaide City Council
  • The Advertiser
  • Bupa
  • Hilton
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Skoda
  • UniSA
  • Adam Internet
  • Bike Exchange
  • Europcar
  • FiveAA
  • Hahn Superdry
  • Leader Computers
  • Powerade
  • Shimano
  • South Australia Police
  • Avanti Plus
  • Focus Bikes
  • Giant
  • Hindmarsh
  • Oakley
  • PowerBar
  • Staging Connections
  • Woodhead
  • Adelaide Expo Hire
  • Cycling Australia
  • Interflora
  • Renniks
  • Ricoh
  • Signs Inc
  • Yamaha Pitmans

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