Down Under guide
We take a look at the testing route for the 2012 Tour Down Under - the first WorldTour race of the year.
Last Updated: 18/01/12 4:48pm
The cycling season kicks off in sunny Adelaide with the now-traditional curtain raiser at the Tour Down Under. The first WorldTour event of the season is the first big chance for teams to score precious points, combining six stages around the race's central hub to ensure a fast and furious start to the year. The race has grown in stature every season since its inception in 1999, meaning the leader's ochre jersey is one of the most prized possessions of the early-season.
Traditionally a race for the sprinters and decided, as in 2011, by mere seconds, the organisers of the week-long event have aimed to make the racing more selective in 2012 with the inclusion of a summit finish on Old Willunga Hill.
Stages
Sunday 15 January - Down Under Classic - 51km
Bragging rights are on the line in this opening criterium. Not part of the race itself, this rapid showcase takes in 30 laps of the wedge shaped course and is guaranteed to end in a bunch sprint.
30-minute highlights on January 15 at 1830 (SS4), January 16 at 0200 (Sky Sports 4), 1030 (Sky Sports 2) and 1330 (Sky Sports 3).
Tuesday 17 January - Stage one: Prospect to Clare - 149km
The race kicks off with a dash north out of Adelaide before jutting inland where the riders will be met with gradual undulations and a pair of sprints. A fast finish is ensured with a downhill dash into the centre of Clare with a pan-flat final three kilometres tailor made for a bunch kick.
30-minute highlights on January 17 at 1830 (SS4), 2130 (SS2), January 18 at 0000 (SS4), 0900 (SS2) and 1430 (SS3).
Wednesday 18 January - Stage two: Lobethal to Stirling - 148km
The day kicks off to the east of Adelaide in Lobethal with an early loop culminating in a sprint at Mount Torrens. A steep climb at Lenswood is a precursor to three undulating laps around Stirling which could act as a springboard for attacks. An uphill finish should see the strongman sprinters come to the fore.
30-minute highlights on January 18 at 1830 (SS2), January 19 at 0200, 0900 and 1430 (all SS3).
Thursday 19 January - Stage three: Unley to Victor Harbor - 134.5km
A southerly dash parallel to the coast could provide an interesting start to the stage before the peloton hits a hefty obstacle in the shape of Sellicks Hill. With just 40km to go the ramp shouldn't have too much effect on the day which ends on the seafront in Victor Harbor. A small rise in the final 5km could be interesting as sprinters' teams battle to control the finish.
30-minute highlights on January 19 at 1830 (SS2), January 20 at 0130 (SS4), 0600 (SS3), 1000 (SS2), and 1500 (SS3).
Friday 20 January - Stage four: Norwood to Tanunda - 130km
The stage kicks off with a return to the hills east of Adelaide and second category ramp at Smith Hill. The sting in the tail looks set to be the first category Menglers Hill, situated 23km away from home. The sprinters will need to have their wits about them on a twisting descent down into the finish at Tanunda.
30-minute highlights on January 20 at 1830 and 2030 (both SS4).
Key stage
Saturday 21 January - Stage five: McLaren Vale to Old Willunga Hill - 151.5km
The stand-out stage of the race will not be one for the sprinters and on paper could well decide the race. With only a final criterium dash around Adelaide remaining this is the last chance for riders to put time into their rivals and the climb up Old Willunga Hill looks to be the most decisive stretch of road in the race. The riders take on the climb twice as part of a final loop, with the first pass arriving with 22.5km remaining. A rapid descent is in store down Range Road before the anti-clockwise circuit loops back around to the foot of the steep climb. With an average gradient of 7.6% along its 3km face there will be nowhere to hide en route to the summit finish.
Live coverage on January 20 from 0000-0400 (SS4) and highlights on January 21 from 1300-1500 and 1700-1900 (both SS4).
Sunday 22 January - Stage six: Adelaide Street Circuit - 90km
The final stage sees the riders tackle 20 laps of the scenic 4.5km circuit in the centre of Adelaide. The racing will be tense if time bonuses are again required to settle the race. Each lap takes in a dead turn before heading out into the parkland with only the slightest of climbs to conquer at Montefiore Hill. A bunch sprint should bring a hard week of racing to a dramatic close.
Live coverage on January 22 from 0200-0500 (SS4) and highlights at 0900-1100 (SS3), 1500-1700 (SS3), 1730-1930 (SS2), 2100-2300 (SS4), January 23 at 0230-0530 (SS4), 0900-1100 (SS3), and 1500-1700 (SS3).
