The iconic Willunga Hill climb has been removed from an upcoming Tour Down Under stage due to a local bushfire threat and forecast temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The decision impacts the race's Queen stage.
Stage 4 Changes
The fourth stage, originally planned to be 176 kilometers, will be shortened to 131 kilometers. It will now conclude in the Willunga township, at the base of the climb, instead of a summit finish with three laps of Willunga Hill. The stage will also commence an hour earlier than scheduled, starting at 10:10 AM from Brighton.
Rationale and Safety
The decision was made after race director Stuart O'Grady and other organizers consulted with local emergency services, riders, and race judges. An extreme fire danger rating has been issued for the Mt Lofty Ranges, with temperatures expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius.
Stuart O'Grady stated that while the removal of Willunga Hill is disappointing for fans, rider and spectator safety remains the primary priority for the event.
Other Stages and Context
The final fifth stage on Sunday, a circuit race in Stirling, Adelaide Hills, is currently scheduled to proceed as planned.
Previous instances of race cancellations due to bushfire threats include the last stage of the 2014 Herald Sun Tour in Victoria.
Earlier, stage three winner Sam Welsford had expressed a desire for the Willunga stage to continue, despite acknowledging the safety concerns.