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Tour Down Under Stage 4 guide

Roar Guru
23rd January, 2014
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Stage 4 of the 2014 Tour Down Under leaves inner city Unley on a 148.5 kilometre journey to Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Before the pros tackle the circuit, over 6,000 recreational riders will attempt the course as part of the Bupa Challenge Tour.

The streets will be turned blue and yellow as these amateurs proudly wear their Bupa Challenge jerseys on the long slog to Victor.

The pros will leave Unley at 11:30 am and head up into the Adelaide Hills and although there are no King of the Mountain climbs as they make their way to Stirling, there is quite a lot of climbing to be done.

After leaving the Freeway the riders head to the first Adam Internet sprint point, occurring in the charming little town of Echunga after 25.5 kilometres.

Echunga boasts one of the nicest country golf course in South Australia, but then as a member perhaps I am a little biased!

The course then takes the peloton through Meadows and Mount Compass, before the King of the Mountain climb is contested up Reservoir Road in Myponga. The climb is a Category 2 climb, with an average gradient of 4.5% over it’s 2.2 kilometre length, much more cyclist friendly than the Corkscrew encountered on the previous stage.

The seaside town of Normanville sees the stage swing towards Victor Harbor, with the final Adam Internet sprint point found on Inman Valley Road, Yankalilla. From there it’s just over 30 kilometres to what is expected to be a fast bunch sprint finish in Victor Harbor.

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It’s another route that may prove difficult to see the riders in action more than a couple of times, but there will be some very scenic spots to enjoy the action as the riders skirt around the coast in Carrickalinga and Normanville.

There’s a long drag uphill along Victor Harbor Road, Mount Compass that offers the chance to see the riders going slowly, while if you venture into Victor Harbor you should see a very exciting finish.

Finally, my food and drink recommendations for Stage 4:

Alexandrina Cheese Company, Sneyd Road, Mount Compass
Follow the signs from Victor Harbor Road to taste some of the best cheeses going around – their plan old cheddar is a personal favourite of mine. There is also a café so you can stop for a coffee or a milkshake.

Red Door Bakery, 54 King William Road, Goodwood
Head a few hundred metres towards the city from the start line and you’ll find the Red Door Bakery. You’ll also find long lines but there is a reason – the food is outstanding. No matter what you choose, you’ll be glad you made the visit.

Hagen Arms Hotel, 1 Angus Road, Echunga
Situated just after the first sprint point, this quaint little country pub is right on the race route and the perfect place to grab a cool drink and watch the riders whizz by.

Bupa Stage 4 details
Start: 11:30 am – King William Road, Unley (near Park Street)
Finish: 3:25 pm – Esplanade, Victor Harbor (near Albert Place)

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You can follow Jason Kohlmorgen on Twitter – @jasonkohlmorgen

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