Tour Down Under 2016: The Route

Stage 1 leads from Prospect to a circuit in Lyndoch. The race on rolling roads should fancy the sprinters, especially since the finale is a false flat down. The next day it is up to the punchy climbers as stage 2 brings a series of grueling climbs and an uphill finish in Stirling.

A hilly ride with an interesting finale awaits the riders in stage 3. With around 10 kilometres left the climb up Corkscrew Road appears – 3.7 kilometres at 6.4% with a steepest section at 15%. After cresting the final 7.4 kilometres are downhill. Back in 2014, Cadel Evans attacked on the climb and he soloed to victory.

The beginning of the finale in stage 4 offers the climb up Crow’s Nest Road (3.9 kilometres at 6%), but sprinters who have been dropped should not worry. They have around 15 kilometres left to get back in the pack and blow each and everyone away with their special talent. Back in 2014, André Greipel was fastest in arrival town Victor Harbor.

Next comes the Queen Stage, which is becoming somewhat of a regular in the Santos Tour Down Under. Stage 5 leads from McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill to conclude with a 3 kilometres closing climb at 7%. Last two years it was Richie Porte celebrating at the top.

In the closing stage the riders are tackling twenty laps on a 4.5 kilometres circuit in the heart of Adelaide. Mostly on flat and straight roads, a wonder has to happen to prevent a bunch sprint.

In all stages of the 2016 Santos Tour Down Under the first three riders are awarded bonus seconds – 10, 6 and 4.

Tour Down Under 2016: Route, profiles and more

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Profile 1st stage

Profile 2nd stage

Profile 3rd stage

Profile 5th stage

All stages

Tour Down Under Tweets

Start and finish at Google maps