Tour Down Under to return to Willunga Hill in 2024
The Tour Down Under will once again launch the WorldTour calendar in 2024, with the Australian race running from January 16 to 21. The race has unveiled its parcours, which features a mix of tradition and novelty.
The riders will start in Tanunda for the first stage, a circuit race that should suit the puncheur-sprinters. The second stage will take the riders from Brighton to Victor Harbor, with the Willunga Hill climb featuring three times in the final 40 kilometers. The third stage will see the riders start in Port Lincoln and finish in Mount Gambier, with the parcours crossing the border into South Australia for the first time since 2011.
The fourth stage will be a time trial from McLaren Vale to Old Willunga, with the Willunga Hill climb featuring once again. The fifth stage will be a criterium in Adelaide, with the race concluding with the sixth stage from Glenelg to Willunga Hill.
The return to Willunga Hill is a welcome one for the fans, as the climb has become one of the most iconic in Australian cycling. It is also a challenging climb for the riders, with a gradient of up to 18% in some sections.
The 2024 Tour Down Under is sure to be an exciting race, with a mix of sprinter-friendly and climber-friendly stages. The return to Willunga Hill is the icing on the cake, and it will be interesting to see who can conquer the climb and win the race.
Tour Down Under 2024 key points
The 2024 Tour Down Under is shaping up to be a very competitive race. The return of Willunga Hill will make it difficult for any one rider to dominate the race, as the climb will favor the climbers. However, the sprinters will also have their chances, with the first and fifth stages being well-suited to them.
The time trial on stage 4 will also be a key stage, as it could give one rider a significant advantage heading into the final stage. Overall, the 2024 Tour Down Under is a well-balanced race that should produce some exciting racing.
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