2020 Santos Tour Down Under Classic / Santos Women’s Tour Down Under Stage 4 Route Announced
The City of Adelaide Tour Village – the heart and soul of Australia’s premier cycling race – will for the first time in race history, signal the start and finish of the men’s Down Under Classic.
The 1.7km Classic circuit will begin on Flinders Street, before travelling down the eastern side of King William Street and passing the Tour Village on Sunday January 19.
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, the Hon Corey Wingard, said it’s important for the TDU to look at ways to keep the race fresh for both riders and fans, as well as share the economic love throughout different areas of the CBD.
“Sunday’s racing will bring an action-packed day to the CBD, ending the Santos Women’s Tour Down Under and kicking off the men’s Santos Tour Down Under.
“Huge crowds are anticipated, with the City of Adelaide Tour Village the central hub for cycling enthusiasts, fans and families over the course of the TDU,” said Minister Wingard.
“Restaurants and cafes surrounding the CBD area, particularly on Gouger Street will be showcased to thousands of eager fans, helping businesses share in the well over $60 million of economic benefit the TDU brings each year.
Tasked with designing a challenging circuit TDU Race Director, Mike Turtur, said that next year’s Classic and WTDU Stage 4 route would bring excitement to the heart of Adelaide.
“We’ve designed stages that are not only challenging but offer great vantage points and entertainment for spectators,” said Turtur.
“This route change will enable spectators to easily access the City of Adelaide Tour Village, further building on the great atmosphere that is the TDU.”
Keeping with tradition, the WTDU Stage 4 race will precede the Classic. The flat course is a pure speed stage offering women’s teams a chance to show off their sprinters and secure the final overall honours for each of the 4 categories on offer.
The women’s race will feature 25 laps with 3 sprint opportunities, while the men will complete a total of 30 laps of the city circuit, covering 51km.
WTDU Race Director, Kimberley Conte, said there will be more points on offer for sprinters than any other stage, a thrilling finale that could see the sprint and points jersey change hands for the final placings.
“The overall General Classification rider will have to remain attentive with her team, staying out of harm’s way throughout the stage.”
“It’s an extreme way of finishing a four-day race as the stage is short, fast and dynamic, with no room for error,” said Conte.
For the men, the Down Under Classic is a prelude to the six stages of the Santos Tour Down Under, which will be held from January 21 – 26, 2020.
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