As 2024 starts, we turn our attention to Australia for the much-anticipated Tour Down Under. The stage race marks the beginning of the UCI WorldTour calendar, which runs through October and includes the Tour de France.

The men's race runs January 16 to 21, drawing in top-tier cyclists from around the globe. Fans can look forward to a blend of grueling climbs, fast-paced sprints, and strategic team tactics before the overall winner is decided on Mount Lofty.

Tour Down Under Ends With Mount Lofty Again

The route for 2024 promises both familiar challenges and new twists. Starting in Adelaide, the riders will navigate through South Australia's picturesque landscapes, including the iconic climbs of Willunga Hill, a decisive factor in previous editions. The long Mount Lofty climb, quite known in South Australia, returns after its 2023 debut, when Jay Vine successfully defended his lead and took home the overall title to the sound of cheering fans.

The Stages

• Stage 1 (16 January 2024): Tanunda to Tanunda, 144 km - This stage is characterized as a hilly one, beginning and ending in the same town of Tanunda.
• Stage 2 (17 January 2024): Norwood to Lobethal, 141.6 km - Another hilly stage, taking riders from Norwood to Lobethal.
• Stage 3 (18 January 2024): Tea Tree Gully to Campbelltown, 145.3 km - This is a flat stage, for sure circled by the sprinters, with a route from Tea Tree Gully to Campbelltown.
• Stage 4 (19 January 2024): Murray Bridge to Port Elliot, 136.2 km - This stage is categorized as hilly, running from Murray Bridge to the coastal town of Port Elliot.
• Stage 5 (20 January 2024): Christies Beach to Willunga Hill, 129.3 km - Known for its hilly terrain, this stage starts at Christies Beach and concludes with the iconic climb of Willunga Hill.
• Stage 6 (21 January 2024): Unley to Mount Lofty, 128.2 km - The final stage, also hilly, will take riders from Unley to Mount Lofty.

Jay Vine will not return to defend his title, but there are plenty of contenders to watch including Simon Yates (Jayco-AlUla), Jack Haig (Bahrain Victorious), Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-Quick Step), Dario Cataldo (Trek-Segafredo), and Milan Vader (Visma-Lease A Bike). For the sprints, there's Caleb Ewan (Jayco-Alula), Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious), Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Circus) – and many others.

Canadian Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech) starts his season Down Under after his breakout ride in last year's Giro d'Italia.

Top contenders and notable riders

• Caleb Ewan (Team Jayco AlUla)
• Simon Yates (Team Jayco AlUla)
• Luke Plapp (Team Jayco AlUla)
• Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain - Victorious)
• Jack Haig (Bahrain - Victorious)
• Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal - Quick Step)
• Biniam Girmay (Intermarché - Wanty)
• George Bennett (Israel - Premier Tech)
• Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers)
• Sam Welsford (BORA - hansgrohe)

Grace Brown Returns Down Under To Defend 2023 Title

The three-day women's race kickstarts the Down Under party a few days prior. Last year's winner, Grace Brown (FDJ-Suez) will be returning to defend her title. Other notable riders include Amanda Spratt (Lidl-Trek), Ruth Edwards (Human Powered Health), and Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal Team).

New teams, new riders, new season, it all gets rolling at the 2024 Tour Down Under.