Novatech Stage 2: Murray Bridge-Birdwood

About the Stage

Murray Bridge sees the return of women’s racing for the first time since 2018 as the host town of Novatech Stage 2 of the Santos Women’s Tour Down Under. This stage is full of climbing, heading from the Murray into the Adelaide Hills via Nairne and Balhannah, before taking the road to Birdwood at Mount Torrens.

Upon reaching Birdwood, the peloton will head east to Gumeracha and Kersbrook before taking the road less-travelled – Christmas Tree Ridge at Forreston – a debut climb with a maximum 11% grade before the finish back in Birdwood.

Remember when?

Letizia Paternoster gave the new Trek Segafredo women’s team a dream debut in 2019? Birdwood hosted a downhill sprint in the opening stage of the Santos Women’s Tour Down Under and it was the hotshot Italian track star who launched herself into the Santos Ochre Jersey with a powerful late launch.

Vantage point 

Birdwood is offered two viewpoints with a sweep-through followed by the stage finish, however enthusiasts can put a full day together with a start in Murray Bridge shortcutting through to Mount Torrens and the Birdwood finish.

Stage In Detail

Ziptrak^® Sprints
28.5km, Old Princes Highway, Kanmantoo
80.0km, National Motor Museum, Torrens Valley Road, Birdwood 

Subaru Queen of the Mountain
103.9km, Christmas Tree Ridge (Norsworthy Road), Forreston, Category 2, 3.6% average/11.0% max

San Remo Pasta Feed Zone
60.6km, Onkaparinga Valley Road at Bedford Hotel, Woodside

Total Climbing (exc race neutral): 1678m
Maximum Elevation: 497m

Explore Novatech Stage 2

Whether its downtown Murray Bridge or the towns that dot this stage of the women’s race, there’s plenty to see and do. Take a look at our picks here.  

Hosted by Rural City of Murray Bridge and Adelaide Hills Council

We thank the Rural City of Murray Bridge and Adelaide Hills Council for hosting Novatech Stage 2 and for their invaluable contribution to the Santos Women’s Tour Down Under.