The new format for the Santos Tour Down Under, where the women's event will run alongside the final three days of the six-stage men's event, will also be bringing some new course twists including a dual ascent of Willunga Hill where the traditional approach will be flipped.
The 874km men's race, from January 19 to January 24, will start at 10:40am local time each day and the first stage will eschew the normal sprint-friendly start and immediately open up with a 170km day which will keep the entire field of the opening WorldTour race of the season on its toes. The route will start at Henley Beach and includes three ascents of Checker Hill before the Gumeracha finish line so the battle for the ochre jersey of the leader will begin early.
