From 'a bit of a sideshow' to 'proper start to the season' - The changing shape of the Women's Tour Down Under

WILLUNGA, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 17: A general view of Ricarda Bauernfeind of Germany and Team Lidl - Trek, Mikayla Harvey of New Zealand and Team SD Worx - Protime, Sofia Bertizzolo of Italy and Team FDJ United - SUEZ, Alice Towers of Great Britain and Team EF Education-Oatly, Katia Ragusa of Italy and Team Human Powered Health, Erica Magnaldi of Italy and UAE Team ADQ compete during the 10th Santos Women's Tour Down Under 2026, Stage 1 a 137.4km stage from Willunga to Willunga 134m / #UCIWWT / on January 17, 2026 in Willunga, Australia. (Photo by Con Chronis/Getty Images).

When the Women’s Santos Tour Down Under first ran in 2016, the peloton heading to the start line was a mixed bunch, with seasoned professionals alongside riders from domestic teams, squeezing in training around jobs and study as they used this rare opportunity to line up in an international race in Australia.

Plenty has changed since then, and in 2026 the race has delivered a shift that race director Stuart O'Grady describes as 'seismic'.