Home - Adelaide Epic Ride

Test your grit,
test your legs,
and ask yourself…

Can I finish?

The Adelaide Epic is ‘that ride’ where you well and truly earn your bragging rights for getting to the finish line!

Get ready, this one is going to hurt (in a good way!!)

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23 Jan 2026

136km | 116km | 63km

AUSCYCLING MEMBER PRICE

136km $192 | 116km $167 | 63km $93

NON-AUSCYCLING MEMBER PRICE

136km $199 | 116km $174| 63km $99

Entries Close 18 January

All riders must be insured with AusCycling to participate.

Non-member entries include a one-day license with AusCycling.

Annual AusCycling members must include a valid AC number when entering.

Merch on sale NOW

Make your Adelaide Epic at the Santos Tour Down Under truly unforgettable with Scout Brand Apparel’s exclusive T-shirts and socks, designed to capture the spirit of your ride. Stock is limited, so act fast to secure these must-have pieces before they’re gone for good!

AMBASSADORS

André Greipel

Robbie McEwen

Welcome to the Adelaide Epic Ride at the Santos Tour Down Under Robbie! Hear what Robbie has to say about the Adelaide Epic Ride.

There’s something epic about lining up with thousands of other riders at the start of a stage route that is the same as the pros will tackle just hours behind you. With the course in full race trim, you’ll tap in to a whole new level of excitement & motivation which will help you conquer the beautiful yet infamously brutal Adelaide Hills. Don’t hesitate to enter, this is a truly unique opportunity to experience riding like the pros.

Mark Beretta

Welcome to the Adelaide Epic Ride at the Santos Tour Down Under Mark! Hear what Mark has to say about the Adelaide Epic Ride.

Being surrounded by the best riders in the world is the greatest inspiration for the Adelaide Epic! After days of watching these elite cyclists, you can’t help but feel the urge to get out there and ride yourself—and the routes are absolutely incredible. The opportunity to ride as part of Australia’s greatest cycling event is truly special.

THE RIDES

136KM AT A GLANCE

This is the real deal – from the beaches to the peaks, you’ll ascend 1800m from Henley Beach to Nairne.

This is a proper test for the legs and the lungs, with relentless rollers, sweeping descents, and some signature sting-in-the-tail climbs that’ll sort the strong from the stubborn. This is a showcase of South Australia’s cycling pedigree — challenging, scenic, and undeniably Epic.

CLIMBS

With numerous climbs and punchy up and downs throughout, the longest Epic Ride is has its most notable ascents into Chandlers Hill, at Mount Wilson, the cruel climb up Summit Road into Nairne.

AID STATIONS

There will be three aid stations spread out approximately every 30km on course to keep you fueled.

Aid Station #1 – Clarendon
Aid Station #2 – Meadows
Aid Station #3 – Macclesfield

FINISH

You’ll ride through the Santos Tour Down Under Ziptrak® Men’s Stage 3 finish line on Old Princes Highway in Nairne and will be in place to witness many more incredible finishes and stories throughout the day.

116KM AT A GLANCE

This one doesn’t pull any punches, with over 1600m of climbing, it’s a ride that bites back. Expect a relentless rhythm of rolling ascents, quick descents, and stunning stretches that’ll test your pacing and endurance.

The route carves its way from Flagstaff Hill to Nairne like a ribbon — picturesque but punishing — offering glimpses of charming townships and sweeping vistas that almost make the pain worth it.

CLIMBS

With numerous climbs and punchy up and downs throughout, there are notable ascents into Chandlers Hill and at Mount Wilson. The cruel climb up Summit Road will ensure you earn each crank over the finish line in Nairne.

AID STATIONS

There will be three aid stations spread out approximately every 30km on course to keep you fueled.

Aid Station #1 – Clarendon
Aid Station #2 – Meadows
Aid Station #3 – Macclesfield

FINISH

63KM AT A GLANCE

Don’t let the shortest Epic Ride fool you… this one still hits you. With 63km of windy road with lumps along the way, this is a ride built for those who like their challenge condensed.

Riding from Meadows to Nairne, this is perfect for riders who want the bragging rights without the full-blown bonk.

CLIMBS

It’s straight out of the gate and up with a stabby climb out of Meadows. Thenthere’s the long ascent into Maccelsfield and less than 5km from the finish, the sneaky climb up Summit Road will ensure you feel the burn as you cross the line in Nairne.

AID STATIONS

There will be an aid stations roughly at the halfway point in Macclesfield to keep you fueled.

FINISH

THE COURSES

TRAINING

Being Epic takes practice, jump on our 12 week program to get you across that finish line.

Put together by World Champion, two time Olympian and Cycling Sponsorship Coach Ash Ankudinhoff, you’re in good hands.

Key Things

Sprints: Out of the seat, gear of your choice, as hard as you can go for the prescribed time. Ensure you complete these on an open and safe stretch of road.
Ensure you are eating and drinking enough throughout your rides. Avoiding the “bonk” when 2 or 3hrs deep into a ride.
Drinking 400-900ml/hr will ensure you stay hydrated especially heading into the warmer months.
Aim to eat 60g/kg of carbs throughout a ride that is over 1hr.

Getting Started

Make sure your bike position is set up well and is comfortable and suitable to you.
Recently had a service, good tread on the tyres, chain and chain rings are in good condition.
Suitable clothing, a good pair of bike shorts are a must. Plus, don't forget your Adelaide Epic Ride jersey.
Front and Rear light, imperative whilst riding on the road and being seen.
Keep a training diary and try and record your rides, how did you feel throughout the session?
Use a HR monitor and power meter if you have one as well. These are great tools to check in with how you are progressing and helps to follow a program.
If you do become sick or injured ensure that you take a few days off to let yourself get back to full health. Pushing through will only delay your recovery.
Be consistent and challenge yourself. Remember, if you are progressing slow and cant see any gains, slow progress is better than no progress. Keep pushing.

HR Zones

Power Zones

Zone 1 - ( Recovery) <55% FTP (functional threshold power- a power number that you can hold for 60mins) - Should feel very easy with little pressure going through the pedals.
Zone 2 - Endurance 56-75% (3hrs +) - Conversation while riding should still be easy but breathing will be a little heavier and more regular than Zone 1.
Zone 3 - Tempo 76-90% (20min-1hr) - Breathing is getting sharper now with more concentration required to maintain the effort. Harder to talk and starting to feel uncomfortable.
Zone 4 - Threshold 91-105% (10-30min) - Regular conversation while riding will be very difficult and your breathing will be heavy, but not strained.
Zone 5 - Vo2 106-120% (3-8min) - This is a hard zone, painful to ride at for more than a few minutes, so you should be suffering.
Zone 6 - Anaerobic Capacity more than 121% (30sec-3mins) - These efforts are very painful and not far off a maximum sprint.

FAQs

ENTRY INFORMATION

What's included in the price?

All entries include:

Free Event Jersey (available until sizes sold out)
Timing
Aid stations and medical support on course

How do I know what size jersey I am?

The sizing chart can be found here.

Do I have to be part of any organisation to ride?

There is no member organisation required.

When do official entries close?

Official entries close on Sunday 18 January at 11.59pm.

Do I need insurance?

Yes – all riders must be insured with AusCycling to participate.

Non-member entries include a one-day license with AusCycling.

Annual AusCycling members must include a valid AC number when entering.

Are there any age restrictions?

Yes. All distances have a minimum age for participation.

136km* – Minimum age 17 years.

116km* – Minimum age 17 years.

63km* – Minimum age 15 years.

Age is calculated as of the event day.

What about refunds, withdraws or transfers?

Read the fine print in our Terms and Conditions by  clicking here.  

If the event is abandoned, as per the terms and conditions, the amount paid will be refunded less the transaction fee and $25 for the jersey (which you will keep). Riders may select to have the jersey posted at an additional fee if the event is abandoned.

EVENT DAY INFORMATION

What time does the ride start?

136km – 06.00am

116km – 07.00am

63km – 09.00am

Can I ride with my friends?

Absolutely! All distances will have a mass start, meaning you can begin where you feel comfortable.

Are there any minimum speed requirements or curfews?

Yes, you must be satisfied you will meet the minimum average speed criteria needed to complete your course distance within our permitted times. There will be multiple curfew points across the course to ensure that your ride is supported and the event complies with issued permits.

More info on not meeting a curfew is available in the terms and conditions.

Minimum speed – 20km/h

Recommended Speed for the 136km event is 25km/h

Do I have to wear the event jersey during my ride?

For safety reasons, we prefer everyone ride in their Official Event Jersey.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

YES. Full stop.

what kind of bike can i use?

You can use road bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, hybrid bikes, and cross bikes. E-bikes are permitted.*

Tandem bikes are permitted, and we ask you to please note your machinery on your entry.

As this is a shared road event where keeping your eyes up is imperative, Time Trial Bikes and bikes with tri or aero bars are not permitted.

We do not recommend using a recumbent bike or handcycle due to the difficulty of the course. If you are interested, please call our office.

*Given our curfews for this event, your choice of machinery is contingent on being able to maintain the average speed of each distance.

Can I ride with an iPod, MP3, or other music device?

You are NOT permitted to race with any music devices including mobile phones, MP3 players, earphones etc, this is a very serious safety risk to you and the participants around you.

When can I collect my pack and can I collect for a friend?

All packs will be available for collection in event week. Times to be confirmed.

You can collect for a friend as long as you have their confirmation message.

Is the event timed and when will the results be released?

Each participant receives a timing chip.

Times are calculated live and will be shared on the event website.

Where is the start and finish line?

There are different start lines for each distance.

136km – Henley Beach

116km – Flagstaff Hill

63km – Meadows

All distances will finish through the Santos Tour Down Under Ziptrak® Men’s Stage 3 finish line on Old Princes Highway in Nairne.

Is there somewhere to store my bag?

A bag check in will be available at the start precinct to deliver your belongings to the finish line.

Major National Win for the Santos Tour Down Under

The 2024 Santos Tour Down Under has been named the nation’s best sporting event at the Australian Event Awards in Sydney.

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