15 Jan 2026

Checking-in! Hilton welcomes Santos Tour Down Under

 

 

International cycling teams and fans are arriving in Adelaide as anticipation builds for what is set to be the most exciting Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) yet.

Teams continue to touchdown, ready to settle into their base at the Hilton Adelaide, and train on local roads before the women’s race begins on Saturday 17 January.

Hilton Adelaide has been the official host hotel of the Santos Tour Down Under since the first race in 1999. It plays a vital role in supporting the event, by catering for and looking after almost 400 riders and support staff, along with local and visiting media.

Hilton Adelaide’s chefs are poised to serve more than 15,200 meals during the course of the event. Keeping the hungry athletes sustained takes a mammoth effort, with the shopping list including:

  • 18,000 bread rolls and wraps
  • 800 kilograms of pasta
  • 600 litres of pasta sauce
  • 300 kilograms of porridge
  • 800 kilograms of rice
  • 3000 litres of yoghurt
  • 2.5 tonnes of vegetables and salads
  • 12 tonnes of fish, beef and chicken
  • 350 kilograms of sliced meats and cheeses
  • 18,000 eggs
  • 2 tonnes of watermelon

The Santos Tour Down Under is taking place in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 16-25 January 2026. It will feature nine days of elite racing for men and women.

Highlights of the 2026 TDU include:

  • A free opening-night concert from international DJ Hot Dub Time Machine on Friday 16 January, following the Team Presentation in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga.
  • All UCI Women’s WorldTour teams on the start line for the first time, ready to take on the longest TDU women’s race on record at 395 kilometres.
  • New challenges for the world’s best cyclists, including two ascents of Corkscrew Road for the women and three climbs up Willunga Hill for the men.
  • The return of a city prologue for the men, with new stage start locations in Henley Beach, Magill and Nairne.
  • Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Australian marathon record-holder Jess Stenson joining the Health Partners Family Ride with her children on Tuesday 20 January in Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi.

For full details about the race, visit tourdownunder.com.au

Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison says major events continued to deliver huge benefits to South Australia’s visitor economy and global profile.

"Last year more than 800,000 people enjoyed the Santos Tour Down Under – the highest number since 2018 – adding $62.5 million to the state’s economy and experiencing the buzz Adelaide and our regions have to offer," she said.

"This year’s race is shaping up to be extra special, with more challenges for the peloton, longer women’s stages and a real showcase of South Australia as a destination."

Hilton Adelaide General Manager Sunil Rawat said the hotel was proud to once again host the Santos Tour Down Under.

"This reinforces the hotel’s long-standing association with one of Australia’s most prestigious international sporting events," he said.

"This year, Hilton Adelaide is delighted to welcome a significantly increased number of women’s teams, reflecting the continued growth and success of women’s cycling on the global stage."

"As team participation continues to grow, the hotel is catering for almost 1,400 additional meals during the event period, bringing the total to 15,782 meals—a milestone that highlights both the scale of the event and the significance of the Santos Tour Down Under to the city of Adelaide."

"Hilton Adelaide looks forward to supporting the athletes, officials, and support crews and contributing to another highly successful and celebrated race."