Sam Watson was one of the first down the ramp and his strong early time was strongest of them all.
Team cars sit in a long line outside the Santos Tour Down Under event village, under the watchful eye of Saint Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, and the TDU’s Big Inflatable Bike. Michael Gogl (Alpecin-Premier Tech) sets off down the start ramp, his team car follows, and the race’s theme song, ‘Feel the Rush’, bursts to life over roadside loudspeakers. The prologue of the 2026 men’s Tour Down Under is now underway.
There’s a sizeable crowd at the start on Wakefield Street. Commentators Rik Fulcher and Gracie Elvin call the action as a group of anti-Santos protestors march past, chanting their displeasure about the race’s title sponsor.
It’s past 6pm now but it’s still hot in central Adelaide. A stiff breeze swirls around between the buildings as riders set off at one-minute intervals that feel much shorter than that.
As I walk east down Wakefield Street, away from the start, Sam Watson (Ineos Grenadiers) roars past on my left, clearly on a mission. A brass marching band plays ‘We Will You Rock You’ nearby as they wander in the same direction. A helicopter circles above, capturing images of the race to be beamed out around the world.
This prologue is being raced on road bikes, but the riders are doing what they can to maximise their available aero opportunities. It seems like every rider that speeds past is wearing a skinsuit and time trial helmet, with many riders rocking full disc rear wheels as well. In a tour often decided by seconds, even a 3.6 km prologue could mean significant gains, or losses.
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