A bummer for the climbers in Australia. The country’s scorching summer has claimed the most feared climb at the Santos Tour Down Under. With temperatures in the Mount Lofty Ranges forecast to soar toward a whopping 43°C and heightened bushfire danger, organizers have removed Willunga Hill from Saturday’s penultimate stage, stripping the race of its traditional summit finish.
The stage will still roll out as planned, albeit an hour earlier. And it will still follow the familiar roads to Willunga. But instead of three ascents of the brutal climb—ending at its summit—the peloton will bypass the hill entirely.
⚠️ IMPORTANT THINK! ROAD SAFETY STAGE 4 UPDATE ⚠️
Due to the ‘Extreme’ Fire Danger Rating for the Mount Lofty Ranges and predicted maximum temperatures of 43 degrees, THINK! Road Safety Men’s Stage 4 has been modified for the safety of riders, staff and fans.
Key changes:
— Santos Tour Down Under 🚴🚴♀️ (@tourdownunder) January 23, 2026
The new finish is set on High Street in the village of Willunga, the same location used for the women’s opening stage. The final 600 m rise gently at three to four percent, a profile far friendlier to sprinters than climbers, and one that offers little opportunity for general classification shake-ups.
“Although the cancellation of the famous Willunga Hill climb is disappointing news for cycling fans, the safety of riders and spectators always comes first at our event,” race director and former pro Stuart O’Grady said.
UAE in control
The change definitely bolsters UAE Team Emirates XRG’s grip on the race.
With Jay Vine leading and Jhonatan Narváez six seconds back, the remaining stages now favour control and bonus seconds over bold attacks.
UAE Team Emirates XRG put on a show in the first real test of the Tour Down Under, locking out the top two on Thursday’s hilly second stage from Norwood to Uraidla.
Jay Vine made the winning move on Corkscrew Hill, attacking inside the final kilometer and dragging teammate Jhonatan Narváez clear. The pair worked together to the line, where Vine kicked again to take the stage and the ochre jersey, with Narváez settling for second.
The decisive selection came on the second ascent of the Cat. 1 Corkscrew, where Adam Yates set a hard tempo that shredded the peloton. A small chase group, heavy with Movistar riders, never got closer than 20 seconds.
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