The world’s most elite female cyclists will race in South Australia during next summer’s Santos Tour Down Under (TDU), for the first time in the event’s history.

The elevation of the women’s event to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Women’s WorldTour event means the top level of elite road cycling will compete in SA in a three-stage race from Sunday 15 January – Tuesday 17 January.

It means the women’s event will now be on equal footing to the men’s competition, which also sees elite UCI Men’s WorldTour teams descend on SA over nine days.

A place on the UCI Women’s WorldTour means an increase in the coveted season points available to the international teams and riders taking part.  

In 2020 – the last time the Santos TDU was held – it brought 44,800 interstate and international visitors to South Australia.

It injected $66.4 million into our economy and created the equivalent of 742 full-time jobs.

Quotes

Attributable to Zoe Bettison

The Malinauskas Labor Government is excited to welcome the world’s most elite female cyclist to South Australia in January next year.

The announcement is a milestone for this South Australian event – something that certainly calls for a celebration.

The Santos Tour Down Under will return bigger and better in January 2023 – this time, with our women’s race elevated to the UCI Women’s WorldTour. We couldn’t be more thrilled.

Attributable to Katrine Hildyard

I am so proud that the women’s race is taking this next step in its evolution and that this step will see the best riders in the world compete right here in South Australia.

Elevation to the UCI Women’s WorldTour means our Santos Tour Down Under women’s and men’s races are now at the top level of their respective competitions.

We know the growth of the Santos Tour Down Under women’s race will inspire our local riders to be their very best and encourage so many to get active through cycling, along with offering action-packed competition to the international peloton.