Tour Down Under Stage 4 Radically Altered as Extreme Heat Scraps Willunga Hill
ADELAIDE, 24 January 2026 – The Santos Tour Down Under has been forced into a dramatic late route change for its penultimate stage, with the iconic Willunga Hill climb removed entirely due to an ‘Extreme’ Fire Danger Rating and forecast temperatures of 43 degrees Celsius. The decision transforms today’s anticipated GC battle into a likely sprint finish, while Australia’s Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) holds a commanding lead in the ochre jersey.
Welsford Roars Back as Vine Holds Firm
The men’s race reached its midpoint on Friday with a chaotic finale to Stage 3 from Henley Beach to Nairne. Ineos Grenadiers’ Sam Welsford powered to his seventh career Tour Down Under stage victory, signalling a strong return to form. “I just had to turn the brain off and follow them,” Welsford said of his team’s lead-out. Denmark’s Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon CMA CGM) was second, with Lewis Bower (Groupama-FDJ United) third.
Race leader Jay Vine was caught behind a crash inside the final three kilometres but, under UCI rules, was awarded the same time as the winner. He retains a six-second buffer over his UAE teammate and defending champion, Jhonatan Narváez.
Current Race Classifications
| Jersey | Leader | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Santos Ochre Jersey (Overall) | Jay Vine | UAE Team Emirates |
| Ziptrak Sprint Jersey | Tobias Lund Andresen | Decathlon CMA CGM |
| efex King of the Mountain | Martin Urianstad Bugge | Uno-X Mobility |
| MyWoosh Young Rider | Michael Leonard | EF Education-EasyPost |
A Stage Transformed by Fire Danger
Today’s THINK! Road Safety Men’s Stage 4 from Brighton to Willunga has been fundamentally altered for the safety of riders, staff, and spectators. The original 176-kilometre route, featuring three ascents of the storied Willunga Hill, has been scrapped.
The revised stage will now cover 131 kilometres, starting an hour earlier at 10:10 am local time. While the picturesque coastal route through McLaren Vale remains, the finish has been moved to High Street in the Willunga township—the same finish used for the women’s opening stage. This flat finale presents a major opportunity for the sprinters, with Sam Welsford and Stage 1 winner Tobias Lund Andresen among the favourites.
Race director Stuart O’Grady stated the event would “keep a close eye” on bushfire risks, with the South Australian Country Fire Service issuing the extreme rating for the Mount Lofty Ranges.
History and Context
The Santos Tour Down Under, first held in 1999, is the opening event of the UCI WorldTour season. The 2026 edition has been marked by the induction of Australian cycling great Richie Porte into the event’s Hall of Fame. Porte, a two-time winner (2017, 2020), is renowned for his dominance on Willunga Hill.
The women’s Tour Down Under concluded earlier in the week, with Swiss rider Noemi Rüegg (EF Education-Oatly) successfully defending her title after a thrilling final stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Stage 4 of the Tour Down Under changed?
The stage was modified due to an ‘Extreme’ Fire Danger Rating issued by the South Australian Country Fire Service for the Mount Lofty Ranges, coupled with a forecast maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius. The changes were made to ensure the safety of all participants and fans.
What was the original plan for Stage 4?
The original queen stage was designed to be the toughest in race history, featuring three ascents of Willunga Hill (3km at 7.5%) with a summit finish on the final climb. This was expected to be the decisive day for the general classification.
Who benefits most from the stage change?
The route change is a significant boost for the pure sprinters like Sam Welsford and Tobias Lund Andresen, who now have a second clear opportunity for a stage win. It conversely reduces the chances for the climbers and GC contenders to make up time on race leader Jay Vine before tomorrow’s final stage in Stirling.