That’s a wrap for the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under and what a start to the season it was!
The racing was incredibly entertaining from start to finish with several young up and comers stealing the stage and big-time dark horse, Stevie Williams, stunning the world of cycling taking an incredible overall victory following the perfect final weekend.
We were there with bells on to catch every glimpse of the best bits of action on our 7-day TDU trip where we were joined by a fantastic group of fellow passionate cycling enthusiasts up for some great rides, spectating and a slice of Adelaide’s spectacular food and wine along the way.
A QUICK START
The race was off to a fast and furious start with a frantic opening sprint stage that travelled through the world-famous Barossa wine region. The dream backdrop to get the race underway and a spectacular start it was with Aussie, Sam Welsford, storming home to take the victory much to the Aussie crowd’s delight. Following a stunning ride out to Tanunda, our crew were there to catch the pros as they danced around the finishing circuit, all while enjoying a delicious lunch at the Tanunda Hotel.
A thrilling start to the race was backed by a big Stage 2 that ventured from Norwood to Lobethal. Our riding guests enjoyed a challenging, yet beautiful pedal out to Lobethal where they then had the opportunity to cut a lap of the finishing circuit that included the short but painfully steep Fox Creek climb. Soon enough, all efforts were well replenished as we all settled in for some cold beverages and a deserved lunch break at the Lobethal Bierhaus, ideally located right near the finish where the peloton would go on to zip right by us multiple times. Come the finish, it was all eyes on young talent, Isaac Deltoro, who turned heads with an incredible final km flyer that saw him hold off a hungry chasing peloton to take the win and step into the leader's jersey.
SNAPS WITH THE PROS & WINE TIME
Another quick sprint day followed and to mix things up, we took to the Stage 3 start in Tea Tree Gully to catch a glimpse of the pros in preparation mode and see them off to another quick day in the saddle that eventually saw Sam Welsford take his second stage victory, his speed once again proving too much for fellow sprint rivals.
The Mummu crew rounded out the day at the pro women’s Down Under Classic at Victoria Park to see some of the world’s fastest female cyclists battle it out over an incredibly quick circuit, leaving us completely entranced as they raced from start to finish on the attack.
Our next day on tour started bright and breezy with a cruisy pedal out to the beach to soak up Adelaide’s stunning coastal views. Just enough ride time to get right in the mood for a morning well spent at the Stage 4 start in Murray Bridge where we had special access to the start area, enabling our guests to see the pros getting set for the stage right up close and personal. The ideal opportunity to get to know favourite riders and grab a stack of snaps with some of the sport’s most elite, including the race leader himself!
A starry-eyed morning was topped with a stunning afternoon out at reputable local winery, Coriole Vineyards located in the incredible wine region of McLaren Vale. The perfect afternoon out relaxing over some amazing food and wine, all in the best company.
A FABULOUS FINISH
The most thrilling days of the race came right at the end making for a truly spectacular final weekend of racing. First up – the iconic Willunga Hill which year in year out never disappoints! Our riders started the day with a bang with a beautiful jaunt along the coast before veering inland towards the vineyards and the almighty Willunga. There’s no better day to conquer Willunga than on TDU race day with fans aplenty lining the entire climb awaiting the race and chanting support. The afternoon was then spent tucked under the shade of the Mummu marquee right at the summit where the peloton would go on to pass once before tackling the final ascent to the finish. While awaiting the action to unfold out guests were joined by the King of Willunga himself, Riche Porte, to chat all things cycling, Santos Tour Down Under and the race to come. The battle to the line came soon enough and was as epic as ever with a tight fight between some of the sports biggest names and its fierce up and comers with underdog, Oscar Onley, eventually crossing the line in first place.
An incredible week came to a close with our final day on tour watching the best of the last stage from Mount Lofty hospitality. Located right opposite the finish at the summit of the climb, our race viewing spot was unmatched and to top, guests were treated to an array of delicious cool beverages, cocktails and canapes - all in stunning green surrounds. Nothing like a bit of VIP treatment to close out the week! And how special to see such a thrilling finale right up close as Stevie Williams stormed home for the biggest victory of his budding career. Hats off to Stevie and team!
A special thanks to our wonderful guests who turned up smiling and ready for a great time and remained that way for every day on tour, always ready for action and up for some fun. We had a blast with you all and hope you will be back with us on tour again soon. Secondly, a huge thanks to our dedicated team of staff on the ground and behind the scenes who made this trip such a success. Job well done!
NEXT UP...
It's now time for some rest and recovery before getting stuck into the remainder of our season. Next stop...the Classics! Several places still remain on our Cobbled Classics with Stuart O’Grady tour that also includes an exclusive meet and greet with the legendary, Eddy Merckx. Sign up here.