Stage 5: Snapper Point to Willunga - 148 kms
Twice the challenge in Willunga
Saturday 24 January
This
stage is an old favourite for Tour fans and riders alike, with stunning Fleurieu
scenery and the big boy of cycling challenges - Old Willunga Hill.
The Fleurieu region is famous for its produce - a little wine, oven baked bread, olive oil with a hint of lime, fresh kalamata olives, local cheeses and fresh fruits make for a perfect Fleurieu picnic.
For all but the riders that is, on what is a gruelling leg. This stage has always been the "blood, sweat and tears" stage - when fortunes are reversed, the race proper is won or lost. Insiders have long been convinced this stage decides the Tour and more often than not it's played out in road-melting heat.
And it's just been made even tougher, with two climbs of Old Willunga Hill adding a biting extra sting to what will be has always been a demanding day.
But while it's tough, there's also something special about this leg of the Tour.
The
ride along the Aldinga Beach esplanade through Snapper Point to Port Willunga
covers stunning cliff tops and seascapes, with the pure wide white of silver
sandy beaches and clear bright aqua-blue seas. The backdrop provides an equally
stunning setting of ancient hills that glow hay-yellow against an open blue sky.
Poetic - of course - but beautifully true.
This stage also takes in some of the state's best wine producing vineyards in the famous McLaren Vale region, which always creates a gorgeous sea and vines combo. Watch the race and then amble off to dinner somewhere nearby - Penny's Hill, the Star of Greece cafe or one of the many quality restaurants in the area.
You can also stay put in Willunga itself. Locally grown olives, dukkah, and preserves are now available for sale in almost every shop and each year both Willunga and Aldinga get more decorative.
Festooned with colour, the township of Willunga often rolls out jugglers, singers, art, music, barbecues, beer and a whole lot more to keep you entertained. Look out for plenty of blue and white on houses, shops and streetscapes as you cheer on the UniSA boys.
And
while you won't be short of entertainment, make sure you give the riders a loud
whoop and holler as they race past.
They're always happy to hear it and often really need it, especially as they take on the demon 3.7 km Old Willunga Hill - either the first or second time!
And if that wasn't enough, insiders tip that a strong northerly wind could have an impact along the many straight stretches of the stage.
This stage is an absolute test of courage.