Santos Tour Down Under THINK! Road Safety Race Day 1: Henley Beach to Gumeracha
Henley Beach
Our opening stage is set to take riders from coastal Henley Beach and into the Adelaide Hills – putting contenders for overall victory on notice across an undulating 165-kilometre route that features three ascents of the punishing Checker Hill before a Gumeracha finish.
It's on from day one. All-rounders must seize their chances on a tough opening stage that promises to reward tenacity. While traditionally our first-hit-out is all about pure sprinters, this time it's powerful all-rounders who could show their cards.
Action will begin in beautiful Henley Beach, travelling north to Port Adelaide and across the Birkenhead Bridge for the first time in Santos Tour Down Under history. From there the peloton is set to push through Golden Grove and to sprints in Williamstown and Lobethal, racing across a scenic Adelaide Hills loop and towards the finish.
But wait – there's more. Riders must tackle Checker Hill an unprecedented three times, forcing those eyeing overall victory to remain in contact as the stage wraps in Gumeracha. Strategy – and new-season form – will define the day.
