Tour Down Under Bike Tours

Sun speed spectacle Aussie summer cycling down under

The World Tour professional cyclists racing down under in 2024, see the very best cyclists in the world racing on the roads of Adelaide, South Australia.
With a new stage race format including an opening street circuit prologue the race will be electric from the very first day.
Experience Australia at it’s very best with new cycling routes and climbs, unique cycling down under and a true taste of Australia. Be part of all the action of the Tour Down Under with live roadside viewing and the opportunity to ride parts of the race route and other sensational, scenic rides with your team and expert guides. Start your year in style cycling the best roads in Australia and enjoying this amazing Tour Down Under cycling trip!

With a world of cycling experience and unique small group cycling skill set, Practice Bicycle Tours are the best way to enjoy your bike race holiday, whether you’re looking for day after day of challenge or a cruise on the most beautiful cycling roads of Australia.

Tour Down Under Bike Race

January is when the cycling world turns to Adelaide, Australia for the first major race on the world cycling calendar and the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere. The Santos Tour Down Under lifts this world class event to a new level with more climbing and truly a festival of cycling with all the stars of cycling challenged like never before. PB Tours have enjoyed being a part of this incredible event and the Adelaide region for many years, designing each day of this thrilling tour to give you amazing cycling and time to relax ready for the next action packed day.

Enjoy the spectacle of each stage of the Tour Down Under race action, with amazing fully guided rides each day.  Relax and reward yourself with the best bike rides in South Australia with complete confidence in all the details with your PB cycling experience.

Looking for the best cycling in Australia?

Challenging Bike ToursAdelaide Bike Trips ideal for the leisure cyclist or look no further than the South Australia Cycling Tour for the best challenging cycling ‘down under’ a cycling vacation of a lifetime.

View South Australia Cycling Tour
Tour Type question mark-01

Bike Race Tour

Fully Guided question mark-01

Experienced Cycling Guides & Support Vehicle

Cycling Level question mark-01

Flexible – 40km/25mi – 115km/71mi
We offer a choice of 2-3 ride distances each day as per our itineraries i.e 40, 80 or 115km

Packages question mark-01

Premium Tour:
5* Hotel Accommodation AUD $4028 pp
4* Hotel Accommodation AUD $3633 pp
Rides Only:
Without Accommodation AUD $2638 pp

 

One Hotel Cycling

Adelaide, Australia

Dates

16 – 21 January 2024 (Tbc)

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Small Group Size

4 to 8 people

Optional Extras question mark 01

Single room – AUD $740
Bike hire – AUD $600
Extra night – AUD $318
Non-cycling partner – AUD $3475

Unpack Once, Ride Everyday

Adelaide The Perfect Cycling Destination In Australia

The city of Adelaide, the cosmopolitan coastal capital of South Australia, highlighting the very best of cycling down under in Australia.
Whether it’s a recovery ride along the coast, pushing the intensity into the Adelaide Hills or a long day in the saddle through the ‘Aussie bush’ and the McLaren Vale wineries full of world-class wines.
World Tour Professional Cycling each January at the Tour down Under can be no greater recommendation, South Australia offers the very best bike riding in Australia.
It’s the cycling that is the true highlight, with an extensive network of roads and variety of terrain, that can only be equaled in Europe.
Join us for your next PB cycling experience at the Tour down Under in South Australia!

I cannot rate Practice Bicycle Tours highly enough. The company is owned and operated by a couple of hard working Aussies Paul and Bridget. Paul does originally come from England but has since seen the light. Paul has been involved in cycle coaching for a long time and it shows in his teachings along the way. Bridget comes from a family of Australian sports fanatics who excelled in their chosen fields as did she is her cycling career. Together they formed this company called Practice Bicycle Tours based themselves in France and travel all over Europe and Australia to deliver their teachings.
We did the Tour Down Under in January 2023 and learnt so much from them. It you want a cycling holiday that holds no punches then this is the one for you. Highly recommended.
Testimonial by N Dixon – Australia
N Dixon – Australia

Dates

Join all the fun in the sun at the Tour down Under 2024, click on the ‘Book Now’ button for your small group cycling tour.

Premium Tour
2024
  • 16 January — 21 January Book Now Enquire
Rides Only
2024
  • 17 January — 21 January Book Now Enquire

Tour down Under Itinerary

Small group amazing cycling don’t miss out in 2024 with this thrilling bike race spectacle week at the Tour down Under.

Day 1

Tuesday 16th January - Arrival Day View the Tour down Under EFEX Prologue 5.5km
ARRIVAL TIME IN ADELAIDE: Midday
Ride Options:
Distance 35km/22mi route Henley Beach
Distance 50km/31mi route Semaphore
Non-cycling guests: Visit Henley Beach and magnificent shoreline of St Vincent Gulf.
Welcome to cycling in Adelaide and the Tour down Under, our personalized service will collect you at midday from Adelaide Airport followed by a short transfer to your Hotel accommodation in the heart of the city. Having checked-in to your accommodation we are available to assist you with un-packing your bike and should time permit the opportunity for a gentle ride over to the beach to stretch out the legs from your travels and to ensure that the bikes also travelled safely!
This afternoon is a great time to talk about our fantastic cycling week ahead with the best ride routes, live race action from the roadside and relaxing coffee / lunch stops facilitated on route each day. The perfect PB cycling experience at the 2024 Tour down Under.
The excitement will be building for this evenings unique Prologue. With a thrilling technical circuit along the riverbanks in the centre of Adelaide, fast and furious race viewing a great introduction to the Tour down Under, and the perfect opportunity to individually see your favourite stars of world cycling as they pass you by at short intervals.
*Ride option – It’s the PB Bike Tour experience where you get to choose to ride as much or as little as you wish!

Day 2

Wednesday 17th January - View the Tour down Under ZiptrakÂź Men's Stage 1: Tanunda to Tanunda (150km elevation 2053m)
*Ride Options:
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 435m/1400ft route Tanunda
Distance 72km/45mi Ascent 735m/2400ft route Nuriootpa
Distance 100km/62mi Ascent 1036m/3400ft route Angaston
TDU Viewing Points: KOM + Sprint + Finish
Non-cycling guests: Visit Barossa Valley and Tanunda township

The Tour Down Under peloton begin the Tour with the first road stage starting and finishing on the streets of Tanunda, this town is the hub of the famous Barossa Valley region and aptly named from the Aboriginal word for watering hole!
With the race route taking the professional peloton on multiple circuits on roads among some of the very best wine in the world, the Barossa Valley the perfect background for world class cycling in Australia. This is a relatively uncomplicated day for the international racing cyclists to start this year’s TDU although the climb of Menglers Hill each lap will allow for attacks and exciting racing throughout the stage before the anticipated super-fast sprint to the finish line in Tanunda.
We will enjoy the very best of the Barossa Valley with both cycling and wine (if you wish) taken at your pace the perfect pace as we enjoy the uniqueness of the Aussie landscape to keep the pedals turning. With multiple unique live race viewing from the roadside this will make for the perfect day at the Tour down Under.
With the Barossa Valley one of the oldest wine regions in Australia dotted with some of the world’s best wine today is the perfect opportunity for a visit!

Day 3

Thursday 18th January - View the Tour down Under Oakley Stage 2: Brighton - Victor Harbor (156km elevation 2401m)
*Ride Options:
Distance 52km/32mi Ascent 560m/1800ft route Myponga
Distance 75km/47mi Ascent 850m/2700ft route Normanville
Distance 115km/71mi Ascent 1300m/4200ft route Victor Harbor
TDU Viewing Points: KOM + Finish
Non-cycling guests: Visit the Fleurieu Peninsula and township of Victor Harbor & Granite Island.

There are no easy stages at the Tour down Under and this early season stage race will be pushing the limits of the professionals this January, today it’s 2401m elevation stage and it will be difficult to hide especially if the wind blows on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Stage 2 starts at the coastal resort town of Brighton before heading south over undulating terrain towards the finish line in the fantastic town of Victor Harbor, nestled against the Ocean of the Great Australian Bight.
We have a wonderful choice of ride options for your PB cycling adventures as we explore the most southerly roads of your visit to South Australia. Follow the coastal route and bumpy terrain or head interior before enjoying all the festivities of the finish line in Victor Harbor. If you like to pace your effort during this great cycling week, this could be a good recovery day on the bike, or if you’ve come to Australia’s best cycling destination for quality back-to-back challenging riding, enjoy these great roads with the professionals at Practice Bicycle Bike Tours.
Late this afternoon is a perfect opportunity to take a drink together and visit the Tour Village & Bike Expo, the hub of the Tour down Under and the centre of activity for the team support personnel including the workshops for the team mechanics

Day 4

Friday 19th January – View the Tour down Under Stage 3: Norwood to Campbelltown (118km elevation 2442m)
*Ride options:
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 600m/1900ft route Corkscrew Hill
Distance 75km/47mi Ascent 1150m/3700ft route Cudlee Creek
Distance 92km/57mi Ascent 1255m/4000ft route Kenton Valley
TDU Viewing Points: KOM + Finish
Non-cycling guests: Visit Adelaide Hills and Lobethal township

One of the amazing aspects of this ‘One Location’ World Tour cycling event in Adelaide is the opportunity for riding and race viewing in a variety of landscapes throughout your PB Tours cycling week.
Stage 3 takes the Pro Peloton into the Adelaide Hills with 2442m of elevation throughout a difficult race day, with 3 of Adelaide’s renown climbs added into the mix this will be a thrilling day of cycling and a potential overall winner may emerge at the finish.
Enjoy the Adelaide Hills experience with a variety of our choice routes on offer and the flexibility for all abilities the key to your ultimate week of riding and race viewing pleasure. Enjoy the race viewing and allow the legs to be challenged with your choice of ideal ride routes among the native landscape of the Adelaide Hills.
Today you may wish for the option of a relaxing afternoon with an opportunity to visit a hidden gem Adelaide Hills winery!

Day 5

Saturday 20th January Tour down Under THINK! Road Safety Stage 4: Port Willunga - Willunga Township (135km elevation 1436m)
*Ride Options:
Distance 40km/25mi Ascent 200m/650ft route McLaren Vale
Distance 62km/38mi Ascent 420m/1400ft route Aldinga Beach
Distance 95km/59mi Ascent 800m/2600ft route Willunga Hill
TDU Viewing Points: Start + Multiple stage viewing
Non-cycling guests: Visit McLaren Vale and Port Willunga.

It would not be the Tour down Under without a stage in the McLaren Vale this magnificent cycling and wine region, we will be feeling just like the Pro’s with your tailored daily rides designed for your PB Tours cycling experience and this is certainly a superb day to be in Adelaide.
For the first time the iconic finishing climb of Willunga Hill is not included in this year’s route, this new race circuit will require the sprinters to stay alert for a stage victory on the streets of Willunga. With an ideal choice of ride distances available, decide how much cycling you would like among the vines and along the beaches, and into the hills if you wish! Should you prefer to spend your energy kicking back from the roadside the spectacle of this fantastic sporting event will be at a high today as we have multiple opportunities to watch the world’s best race action pass us by.
Refreshed in one of the local cafes/restaurants on route absorb this superb race spectacle in the McLaren Vale region and for any wine connoisseur, this is definitely one of our favorite’s, your memorable visit too one of the many amazing wineries.

Day 6

Sunday 21st January - Departure Day from Adelaide + View the Tour down Under Stage 5: Unley - Mount Lofty (114km elevation 3131m)
DEPARTURE TIME FROM ADELAIDE: 6:00pm
Ride option:
Distance 40km/25mi Ascent 650m/2100ft route Stirling
Distance 67km/42mi Ascent 1087m/3500ft route Mount Lofty
Distance 94km/58mi Ascent 1524m/5000ft route Uraidla
TDU Viewing Points: Sprint + KOM + Finish
Non-cycling guest: Visit Adelaide Hills and towns of Stirling & German township of Hahndorf

The final stage of this year’s amazing race with a massive 3131m of climbing packed into 114km of racing! The Tour down Under will be remembered for its new thrilling race format seconds counted from the very beginning with the Prologue, now on Mount Lofty every second will count to crown the winner of the TDU. This first World Tour event will show case the early season form for the best riders in the world on the great roads of South Australia.
Our final ride together will be just as thrilling, enjoy the climb out of Adelaide and spectacular views of the surrounding area, before you’re on the race circuit with several opportunities of spectacular live roadside viewing and a coffee/restaurant stop or two for the perfect final day at the Tour down Under with PB Tours.
Today is also your departure day from Adelaide with the race action due to finish at 3.00pm we recommend you plan your onward travels for a departure time after 6:00pm.
*Ride option – It’s the PB Bike Tour experience where you get to choose to ride as much or as little as you wish!

I have already booked accommodation - is the Rides Only package for me?

Absolutely! Look for our ‘Rides Only’ (17 – 21 January) package to get on this tour without any add-ons or accommodation for your perfect flexible stay cycling holiday.
Each day you will join the Practice Bicycle Team at a convenient central Adelaide meeting point.  Fully escorted and supported on superb rides to the best viewing locations to catch 5 stages of the Santos Tour Down Under live.
Rides Only Includes:
5 days of superb fully guided tailored rides to a variety of ideal locations at our ‘unique live viewing spots’ for all the race action.
Ride support vehicle with ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance, sports drinks & nutritional bars for all bike rides.
Choice of ride distance including cafe / restaurant lunch stops facilitated on route each day.
Experienced #1 Cycling Guides.

Am I fit enough for this trip?

Whether you have years of cycling experience or are just new to the bike, you will love cycling in Adelaide and for fans of international bike racing, this trip is for you!
Each cycling route during your Tour Down Under Bike Trip will be tailored specifically to your bike riding ability and experience, so you can have a challenging ride or a comfortable ride – the choice is yours.

The PB cycling team are specialists when it comes to ride routes with a choice of routes each day making for the perfect cycling week.

Will I have enough to do off the bike?

With the Tour down Under an exciting festival of cycling, your days will be packed with fun both on and off the bike.  Make the most of this great week with a visit to the City of Adelaide Tour Village, catch up with all the latest race news over a refreshing drink.
Alternatively Adelaide’s generous boulevards and elegant architecture provide the perfect backdrop for all sorts of activities. No matter what takes your interest, there’s something here for you.

How do I get to Australia and the Tour down Under?

The destination for your Tour down Under bike race tour is the city of Adelaide. The Premium Tour down Under package includes a private vehicle transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city.

The closest airport is the Adelaide International Airport (Australia) which is serviced directly by many international airlines including, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.

Many major airlines operate international flights to Sydney and Melbourne these include Qantas, Virgin Australia, British Airways, Emirates, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Air Canada. With onward domestic connecting flights available to Adelaide Airport.

Where will I be staying?

Practice Bicycle Tours include 5* and 4* hand-picked luxury accommodation in the heart of the Adelaide city centre.
Depending on availability, we recommend the following 5* Sofitel Luxury Hotel Adelaide, 5* InterContinental Hotel Adelaide, and the 4* Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, all offering the perfect location to enjoy the best of the Tour down Under and South Australia.
Alternatively our TDU Rides Only Package allows for complete flexibility for our guests to choose their choice of accommodation for this great week of cycling.

5* Sofitel Luxury Hotel Adelaide South Australia

Sofitel Adelaide 5 Star Hotel City Centre          Sofitel Adelaide 5 Star Hotel Room          Sofitel Adelaide 5 Star Hotel Garcon Bleu Bar

5* InterContinental Adelaide City Centre

InterContinental Adelaide 5 Star Luxury Hotel          InterContinental Adelaide 5 Star Luxury Hotel Room          InterContinental Adelaide 5 Star Luxury Hotel Executive Lounge

4* Majestic Roof Garden Hotel Adelaide

Majestic Roof Garden 4 Star Hotel Adelaide City Australia          Majestic Roof Garden 4 Star Hotel Room          Majestic Roof Garden 4 Star Hotel Restaurant Culshaws

Is this trip challenging enough for me?

We love a challenge as much as we love cycling. The team at Practice Bicycle has a history in professional bike racing and coaching in fact it was on the roads of the Adelaide hills where your host Bridget Evans took 3rd place at the Australian Championships in 2005.  So, if it’s a challenge you are looking for, we can find just the right rides for you during this pinnacle cycling week in Australia.

If you are looking for a challenge with your next cycling vacation, look at our Challenging Bike Tours category, with fantastic cycling opportunities in superb destinations including, Australia, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland and the French Alps.

What rides will I do?

We offer a selection of different ride routes each day that are tailored to the cyclist experience and ability, including each years actual Tour Down Under stage routes, take a look at this years itinerary, above.

The PB team with over 15 years of cycling experience in South Australia have developed over 30 ride routes on the great cycling roads of Adelaide and surrounding areas, suitable for riders of all levels.

Do you have a Non Cycling package to the Tour down Under?

We have the ideal package for any fan of world class cycling who does not wish to ride and prefers to spectate during our Tour down Under cycling tour. The perfect solution for a non-cycling wife/husband/partner to accompany the bike tour rider on their unique Tour down Under cycling holiday whilst in Australia.

As a Non-Cycling guest and bike race fan you experience all the spectacle, excitement, and action up close and personal of the bike race live each day. Our local support team will share with you culture and townships on route whilst catching up with the cycling group at our ‘unique live viewing spots’ and facilitated cafe / lunch stops together.

You may also wish to immerse yourself and discover the best of the city of Adelaide from its “cultural boulevard” and some of Australia’s most beautiful buildings to a visit to the home of Australia’s most famous wine – Penfolds Grange.
Alternatively, swim with dolphins in our clear clean waters, cuddle a koala or visit the most beautiful cricket ground in the world, Adelaide Oval.

For shopaholics, wander down Rundle Mall and indulge in some retail therapy. Be sure to pick up some treats from Haigh’s Chocolates or stock up on RM Williams merchandise from the legendary Outback outfitter.

Can I have an extra night?

Absolutely, if you would like to tag on an additional extra night then select from our optional extras when making your booking.
We highly recommend the additional night option with the final stage finishing late afternoon on Sunday which requires an after 7:oopm departure from Adelaide.  This also gives you more time to relax and enjoy Sunday evening in the wonderful city of Adelaide.

Why do you stay in one location with your bike race tours?

‘Unpack Once, Ride Everyday’
The one location bike tour experience is the brainchild of Bridget Evans (Owner/Operator).  On retiring from professional cycling, it was the pure pleasure of cycling that evolved the proven Practice Bicycle formula of one location.  Including everything enjoyable and removing the less pleasurable is our goal of your perfect cycling holiday experience.

Packing and Unpacking each day is tiring, stressful and time consuming. With insufficient time to relax, enjoy and experience the destination before it is time to move on again.
With a life spent discovering the very best destinations to Practice Bicycle, including the discovery of endless ride routes exploring in every direction from the one perfect location.
Experience the very best cycling of your life when you Unpack Once, Ride Everyday!

Is bike hire available with your tours?

For your added convenience we have quality carbon road bikes as an optional extra available to you with your Tour down Under cycling vacation.
Many of our guests prefer their own bikes for maximum cycling pleasure. Should logistics and travel arrangements make this too difficult then our bike hire is the perfect solution.
Depending on availability and size we have several brands available including Merida and Trek carbon road bikes.

Merida Scultura 4000 Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50,34 x11-29            Trek Carbon Road Bike Compact Frame Shimano Ultegra 50.34 x 11-32

Premium Tour Down Under bike tour package includes:

  • 5 nights 5* or 4* hotel accommodation in the heart of the city of Adelaide, South Australia
  • Fabulous Buffet Breakfast each morning ready for a great day of riding
  • Exciting and spectacular viewing of Santos Tour Down Under stages throughout the week from a variety of ideal locations at our ‘unique live viewing spots’
  • 6 days of superb guided, tailored rides, as well as full professional support.
  • A choice of ride distances each day perfect for all abilities
  • Highly Experienced International Cycling Guides
  • A fully equipped support team & vehicle, mechanical assistance, sports drinks & nutritional bars for all bike rides
  • Coffee / Restaurant lunch stops facilitated on route each day.
  • Adelaide Airport pick-up/drop-off & hotel transfer (Midday tour arrival & 6pm tour departure day)

Tour Down Under Tour Highlights:

  • City of Adelaide, South Australia the ideal location for summer cycling down under
  • World Tour international professional racing cyclists in a relaxed environment up close & personal
  • Start your cycling year in January with a magical week of riding the most memorable kilometres/miles in Australia
  • Taste Aussie Wine, some of the best in the world in the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills & McLaren Vale wine growing areas
  • Action packed rides along endless beaches, amongst the eucalyptus shrouded Adelaide hills and panoramic rows of leafy green vineyards
  • 1st class service, small group camaraderie a unique experience & lots of fun
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