Held each January in the height of the Australian summer, the race´s six stages cover roughly 800–900 km (500–560 mi.) across South Australia, anchored in the compact, festival-friendly city of Adelaide. It traditionally opens the UCI WorldTour season, drawing top international teams to sun-drenched vineyard roads and coastal highways.
Stages roll through the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, where pelotons glide past cellar doors and neat vine rows, and often crest the decisive slopes of Willunga Hill, a short climb that draws packed crowds and sweeping countryside views. Other routes trace the rugged Fleurieu Peninsula coastline or finish on lively downtown Adelaide circuits, allowing spectators to see the riders multiple times in a single afternoon.
For visiting fans, the race pairs elite cycling with wine tastings, beach escapes, wildlife parks, and a relaxed culinary scene built on seafood, local produce, and multicultural flavors. The result is a warm, accessible, and distinctly Aussie blend of world-class racing and laid-back summer atmosphere.
Read more in my post 6 of the World´s Most Atmospheric Cycling Races for Traveling Fans.
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