Women’s Tour Down Under to Conclude with Dual Corkscrew Climb in 2026; Men’s Race Faces Willunga Hill Triple on Final Stage

Women’s Tour Down Under Boosts Spectacle with Longer, Harder Stages for 2026

The 2026 Santos Tour Down Under is set to deliver an enhanced racing experience for both riders and fans, with organizers confirming longer and more challenging stages for the Women’s WorldTour event. this move comes in response to positive feedback from teams, who are eager for more demanding racing, even with the prospect of a warmer southern hemisphere summer and an earlier season start time.

Carlee Taylor, Assistant Race Director, highlighted the significant upgrades. “From day one of the season, we are commencing with our longest-ever women’s stage, a 137km race in Willunga, which promises to be a fantastic spectacle,” Taylor stated. She further elaborated on the route’s exciting new additions.”Health Partners Stage 2 marks our first-ever start in magill, culminating in an uphill finish in Paracombe – a profile that is sure to ignite the race and favor all-rounders.”

The most anticipated addition is Hyundai Stage 3. This stage will begin in Norwood for the first time and features two challenging ascents of Corkscrew Road. The second climb will occur just 5km shy of the finish in Campbelltown, a setup expected to be a major draw for both spectators and participating athletes.

Last year’s Women’s Tour Down Under saw Noemi Rüegg of EF Education-Oatly take the overall lead on stage 2 with her victory atop Willunga Hill.The men’s six-stage race was ultimately won by Jhonatan Narváez (UAE team Emirates-XRG), who also claimed the leader’s jersey on the penultimate day with a climb to the summit of Willunga.

2026 Stage details:

Women’s WorldTour Race:

Stage 1: Willunga to Willunga (137.4km) – Saturday, January 17
Stage 2: Magill to Paracombe (130.7km) – Sunday, January 18
Stage 3: Norwood to Campbelltown (126.5km) – Monday,January 19

Men’s WorldTour Race:

Prologue: Adelaide (3.6km) – Tuesday,January 20
Stage 1: Tanunda to Tanunda (120.6km) – Wednesday, January 21
Stage 2: Norwood to Uraidla (148.1km) – thursday, January 22
Stage 3: Henley Beach to Nairne (140.8km) – Friday, January 23
Stage 4: Brighton to Willunga Hill (176km) – Saturday, January 24
* Stage 5: Stirling to Stirling (169.8km) – Sunday, January 25

How will the increased difficulty of the 2026 courses likely impact the type of riders teams prioritize?

2026 Race Route Changes: A New Challenge for Pro cyclists

Notable changes are coming to the final stages of both the Women’s and Men’s Tour Down Under races in 2026. Organizers have announced a dramatic shift in course design, promising a thrilling spectacle for fans and a grueling test for professional cyclists.The 2026 edition will see the Women’s race culminate with a challenging dual ascent of Corkscrew Hill,while the Men’s race will feature a punishing triple ascent of willunga Hill on the final stage. These alterations aim to elevate the race’s profile and provide a more decisive finish.

Women’s Tour Down Under: Corkscrew Hill Double Header

For the first time, the Women’s Tour Down Under will finish with a double dose of the iconic Corkscrew Hill. This notoriously steep climb, known for its challenging gradient and winding turns, will be tackled twice on the final stage.

Corkscrew Hill Details: The Corkscrew Hill climb averages 9% gradient, with sections exceeding 16%.Its technical nature demands both power and bike handling skills.

Strategic Implications: The dual ascent will likely force teams to employ aggressive tactics,possibly leading to a more open and unpredictable race outcome. Expect attacks from strong climbers and a fierce battle for position.

Impact on Race Dynamics: This change moves away from potential sprint finishes, favoring riders with strong climbing abilities. It will be a true test of endurance and tactical acumen.

Previous Winners & corkscrew Hill: Past winners of the women’s Tour down Under have demonstrated versatility,but the 2026 route will heavily reward climbers.

Men’s Tour Down Under: Willunga Hill – A Triple Threat

The Men’s Tour Down Under will see an even more demanding finale. The traditional single ascent of Willunga Hill will be replaced with a brutal triple ascent on the final stage.

Willunga Hill Profile: Willunga Hill is approximately 3km long with an average gradient of 7%, featuring a challenging final kick.

Past Meaning: Willunga hill has been a decisive point in the Men’s Tour Down Under for years, often separating the contenders from the pretenders.

Tactical Considerations: A triple ascent will require riders to carefully manage their energy and choose their attacks wisely. Teams will need to control the pace and protect their leaders.

Potential for Dramatic Finishes: The repeated climbs will likely whittle down the peloton, creating opportunities for solo attacks and decisive breaks.

Notable Past Performances on Willunga hill: Riders like Richie Porte and Rohan Dennis have historically dominated Willunga Hill, showcasing the importance of climbing prowess.

Why the route Changes? Enhancing Spectacle and Competition

Race organizers cite a desire to increase the sporting challenge and enhance the spectacle for both participants and spectators as the primary drivers behind these route changes.

increased Difficulty: The dual Corkscrew and triple Willunga hill ascents will undoubtedly make the races more physically demanding.

More Decisive Finishes: The challenging climbs are expected to produce more exciting and unpredictable race outcomes.

Attracting Top Talent: A more challenging course is highly likely to attract a higher caliber of riders,further elevating the race’s prestige.

Boosting Fan Engagement: Dramatic finishes and thrilling attacks will captivate audiences both at the race and watching from home.

Impact on Team Strategies & Rider Preparation

These changes will necessitate a significant shift in team strategies and rider preparation.

Climbing Focus: Teams will prioritize riders with strong climbing abilities and tactical acumen.

Training Adjustments: Riders will need to incorporate more high-intensity interval training and hill repeats into their training regimens.

Equipment Choices: Lightweight bikes and optimized gearing will be crucial for tackling the steep climbs.

Nutrition & Recovery: Proper nutrition and recovery will be paramount to managing the increased physical demands.

Team Tactics: Teams will need to develop complex strategies for controlling the pace, protecting their leaders, and launching decisive attacks.

Looking Ahead to 2026: A New Era for the Tour Down Under

The 2026 Tour Down Under promises to be a landmark edition, with the challenging new course designs set to redefine the race.The dual Corkscrew and triple Willunga Hill ascents will undoubtedly test the limits of the world’s best cyclists and provide a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide. The changes signal a commitment to elevating the race’s profile and solidifying its position as a premier event on the UCI WorldTour calendar. The focus on climbing will reward strength and strategy, creating a compelling narrative for both the Women’s and Men’s races.