The Tour Down Under cycling event stands proudly as the Southern Hemisphere’s premier professional road race and the traditional curtain-raiser for the global cycling season. Its history, though relatively young compared to European classics, is a vibrant story of ambition, growth, and showcasing the best of South Australia.
Born in 1999, the race emerged from a vision to put Australian cycling firmly on the world map. Organised by Events South Australia, the inaugural edition was a domestic affair, won by local rider Stuart O’Grady. It quickly captured the public’s imagination, offering a unique summer spectacle. The race wasn’t just about competition; it was a rolling festival, energising Adelaide and regional towns like Hahndorf and Strathalbyn, and highlighting the state’s stunning landscapes and enthusiastic crowds – a distinct flavour compared to the often cooler European races.
The early 2000s saw the Tour Down Under steadily gain prestige, attracting bigger international names alongside strong Australian fields. Riders like Robbie McEwen and Stuart O’Grady became crowd favourites. A pivotal moment arrived in 2008 when the race achieved UCI ProTour status (later UCI WorldTour from 2011). This elevated it to the highest tier of professional cycling, making it the first race outside Europe to hold this honour and truly cementing its place as a Tour de Australia benchmark event. This status mandated participation from the world’s top teams, guaranteeing star-studded line-ups annually.
January became synonymous with the Down Tour Under. The race week evolved into a major festival, encompassing community rides (like the Bupa Challenge Tour), street parties, and extensive international media coverage. Iconic climbs like Old Willunga Hill became legendary battlegrounds. The 2009 edition gained particular notoriety as Lance Armstrong’s comeback race, generating immense global attention, despite later controversies.
Significant evolution continued. In 2012, Santos became the naming rights sponsor, rebranding the event as the Santos Tour Down Under cycling classic. This long-term partnership provided crucial stability and investment. Perhaps the most important development came in 2016 with the launch of the Santos Women’s Tour Down Under. This gave elite women’s cycling a prestigious early-season platform, running alongside the men’s event and contributing significantly to the sport’s growth in Australia and globally.
The Tour Down Under faced its biggest challenge with the global COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 edition was cancelled entirely, a significant blow. The race returned strongly in 2022, albeit with modified health protocols, proving its resilience and importance to the cycling calendar and South Australian tourism.
Throughout its history, the race has crowned worthy champions, including multiple winners like Simon Gerrans and Richie Porte. It has served as a launchpad for Australian talent and a favoured early-season test for international stars. The economic impact on South Australia has been substantial, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy over the years.
From its humble domestic beginnings to its current status as a UCI WorldTour season opener and a vibrant festival of cycling, the Down Tour Under has carved out a unique and essential niche. It remains a beloved fixture, showcasing world-class racing, the beauty of South Australia, and the passionate Australian sporting spirit. It stands not just as a great race, but as the undisputed pinnacle of Tour de Australia events, a true summer celebration on two wheels.
Read more: beforeitbusiness.com
Emily Williams