Absence of Willunga Hill creates wide-open 2026 Women’s Tour Down Under – Analysing the contenders

The 2026 Women’s Tour Down Under promises three days of action-packed competition, opening the top-tier racing season from January 17-19 in and around Adelaide, Australia. In the absence of the famed Willunga Hill, this year’s race is wide-open for both puncheurs and climbers in pursuit of the ochre jersey.

The route marks the longest so far at 394km, with the racing set to begin with stage 1 in Willunga; however, instead of showcasing the famed Willunga Hill, the route will cater to the punchy sprinters. Stage 2 from Magill to Paracombe offers another lumpy route and a challenging final circuit.