BREAKING: Tour Down Under removes Old Willunga Hill due to extreme fire risk

The Santos Tour Down Under has announced a major adjustment to the men’s Stage 4 due to extreme conditions forecast in the region. The Old Willunga Hill will not be climbed due to extreme heat and fire risk, changing the outlook of the race dramatically.

The organisers took the decision after an “extreme” fire danger rating was declared for the Mount Lofty Ranges and with maximum temperatures expected to reach 43 degrees. The priority is the safety of riders, staff, and fans.

Among the key changes, the stage will start earlier. The peloton will roll out from Brighton at 10:10, one hour ahead of the original schedule. The route has also been reworked. Willunga Hill, one of the race’s signature climbs, has been removed. Instead, the stage will finish on High Street in the town of Willunga. With these changes, the total distance is reduced to 131 kilometres.

Organisers have asked fans not to ride up Willunga Hill on the day, to take heat precautions, seek shade, and stay well hydrated. They also stress the importance of following emergency services’ instructions throughout the day.

Removing Willunga Hill pushes the general classification further towards UAE Team Emirates -XRG after the Jay Vine and Jhonatan Narváez, who dominated the stage into Uraidla. Last year the Ecuadorian built his overall win on Old Willunga Hill.

In the fight for the final podium spot, Mauro Schmid now carries a small buffer over Harry Sweeny, Marco Brenner, Andreas Kron, Adam Yates, and Ben O'Connor.