The first WorldTour racing of 2026 begins in Australia this weekend, with the Women’s Tour Down Under starting on Saturday, 17th January 2026, before the men’s race follows from Tuesday, 20th January 2026. With stages finishing overnight for UK viewers, your best viewing option will often be a mix of live coverage and on-demand replays.
Key information
Event: Men’s and Women’s Tour Down Under 2026
Date: Saturday 17 January to Sunday 25 January 2026
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
What is at stake at the Tour Down Under?
As the traditional curtain-raiser for the WorldTour season, the Tour Down Under is more than a warm-weather opener. It is the first proper reading of early-season form, the first test of new team line-ups, and often the first moment where the balance between ambition and restraint becomes visible.
The women’s event brings immediate intensity across three stages, and the midweek Women’s One Day Race adds an extra layer to the programme, giving teams another chance to chase a result on Australian roads. The men’s race begins with a prologue and builds into five road stages, with the heat, exposed roads, and punchy terrain often rewarding riders who arrive ready to race rather than ride themselves into shape.
How can you watch the men’s and women’s Tour Down Under in the UK?
UK viewers can watch the Tour Down Under across Warner Bros. Discovery platforms.
- Streaming: Discovery+ will carry live coverage, plus replays and highlights.
- TV: TNT Sports will show live coverage depending on listings.
Because of the time difference, many UK fans will find replays and highlights the most practical way to follow every stage without the early alarm.
How can you watch the men’s and women’s Tour Down Under in Australia?
Australian viewers can watch every stage live and free.
- Free-to-air TV: Seven Network channels, including 7Mate and 7two.
- Free streaming: 7plus (account registration required, no payment).
This coverage is typically geo-restricted to Australia.
How can you watch the men’s and women’s Tour Down Under in the United States and Canada?
Coverage differs across North America.
- United States: Peacock / NBC platforms will show the men’s and women’s races.
- Canada: FloBikes will stream the Tour Down Under (subscription required).
Is there a free live stream of the Tour Down Under?
Yes, for viewers in Australia. The Tour Down Under is available free via Seven Network on TV and 7plus online. Access is usually geo-restricted outside Australia.
This can be accessed with a VPN, for example, ExpressVPN.
What is the men’s and women’s Tour Down Under 2026 schedule?
Times below are listed as local time (South Australia), then UK time (GMT), then ET.
Women’s Tour Down Under
- Saturday 17 January, Stage 1: 11:10–15:02 / 00:40–04:32 / 19:40–23:32 (Fri 16)
- Sunday 18 January, Stage 2: 11:10–14:49 / 00:40–04:19 / 19:40–23:19 (Sat 17)
- Monday 19 January, Stage 3: 11:10–15:04 / 00:40–04:34 / 19:40–23:34 (Sun 18)
- Tuesday 21 January, Women’s One Day Race: 15:30–18:08 / 05:00–07:38 / 00:00–02:38
Men’s Tour Down Under
- Tuesday 20 January, Prologue: 18:00–20:30 / 07:30–10:00 / 02:30–05:00
- Wednesday 21 January, Stage 1: 11:10–14:03 / 00:40–03:33 / 19:40–22:33 (Tue 20)
- Thursday 22 January, Stage 2: 11:10–15:02 / 00:40–04:32 / 19:40–23:32 (Wed 21)
- Friday 23 January, Stage 3: 11:10–14:52 / 00:40–04:22 / 19:40–23:22 (Thu 22)
- Saturday 24 January, Stage 4: 11:10–15:39 / 00:40–05:09 / 19:40 (Fri 23)–00:09 (Sat 24)
- Sunday 25 January, Stage 5: 11:10–15:26 / 00:40–04:56 / 19:40–23:56 (Sat 24)
Broadcast start times can shift slightly day to day, and some platforms may begin coverage shortly before the flag drops. Checking your chosen broadcaster’s schedule each morning is the safest way to avoid missing the start.
