Brighton to host world’s best cyclists

The 2026 edition of the Santos Tour Down Under returns to Brighton with the stunning seaside location revealed as the start for the THINK! Road Safety Men’s Stage 4.

Cyclists will start the 176km trek on the Brighton Esplanade and will head south, travelling through Seacliff as they make their way all the way to Willunga Hill.

TDU Race Director Stuart O’Grady is looking forward to seeing how the stage plays out.

“It’s a really long stage, 170km, and the big talking point will be three ascensions of Willunga Hill which is a TDU first,” he said.

Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said Brighton provides the ultimate beachside backdrop to this iconic race.

“This is the third time Brighton will host a Tour Down Under stage start and it really is the perfect location for spectators coming along to watch the race start,” Mayor Wilson said.

“They can enjoy amazing coffee and breakfast first on Jetty Road at Brighton before they cheer on the riders along the Esplanade and then continue the day's celebrations with a long lunch.

“And all this with the backdrop of our spectacular coastline, our iconic Brighton Jetty and our white, sandy beaches.”

THINK! Road Safety Men’s Stage 4 will be held on Saturday 24 January 2026 with the race starting at 11.10am.

The Santos Tour Down Under is the first race of the UCI WorldTour season and the 2026 edition will be held from 16 – 25 January 2026.

The 2026 event will also mark the 20-year anniversary of the Ochre Leader’s Jersey, which is unique to the Santos Tour Down Under and was first conceived because of its strong association with Australian culture and history.