Henley Beach will come alive with world-class cycling once again this summer with the Santos Tour Down Under confirmed to return to our City in 2027.
Following the success of this year’s event, the City of Charles Sturt will be an official host council for the 2027 edition of the premier cycling event with the THINK! Road Safety Men’s Stage 1 race start from Henley Square to Gumeracha on Tuesday 19 January 2027.
City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans said she was already looking forward to next year’s race and the excitement it will bring to our community.
“We’re thrilled to have the Santos Tour Down Under back in our City following the success of the event last summer,” she shared.
“About 25,000 people flocked to Henley Square this year to witness world-class cycling and enjoy our ‘GO Henley’ activation alongside our stunning coastline.
“We look forward to working closely with our community, local residents and businesses over the coming months to make next year’s experience even bigger and better.”
Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Stuart O’Grady said Henley Beach added something special to the calendar.
“After the popularity of the first ever stage start in Henley Beach this year it was an easy decision to kick-start the 2027 race there,” he said.
“I think they were the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen at a start and I like the idea of beginning the first stage with a celebration in Henley. But also taking in places like West Lakes, which is part of a popular cycling loop for people who ride along Military Road, as well as Port Adelaide and up through Golden Grove as well.”
Henley hosted a stage start for the first time in Santos Tour Down Under history last January as Henley Square was transformed into a vibrant hub of cycling, entertainment and community activity.
Plans are already underway to deliver another memorable ‘GO Henley’ experience at the Square in 2027 to showcase our City’s coastal lifestyle and summer spirit in partnership with local businesses and the community.
This summer's Santos Tour Down Under will also be the first in the event’s 27-year history where select stages are contested by both men’s and women’s pelotons on the same course, on the same day and over the same distance.
Further information including event timings, road closures and community activations will be shared via our website and digital channels in the coming months.
The Santos Tour Down Under nine-day festival of cycling will be held from 16-24 January 2027.