It's still a bit early, but if you're itching for some WorldTour racing after winter break like me you can at least study the maps and profiles for the next 10 days. 
Right now this thread is just a scaffolding I'll be adding to as time gets closer and more info trickles in (primarily the weather forecast), but for now here is the men's preliminary start list: https://tourdownunder.com.au/race/mens/start-list
And of course some maps and profiles, the write-ups I borrowed from the official TDU race site:
Stage 1 | Prospect - Gumeracha (150.7 km)
A long first day in the saddle will take cyclists from bustling Prospect to deep in the Adelaide Hills. First, though, comes a climb up Gorge Road at Paracombe and a journey to Williamstown on the Barossa’s southern fringe.
The men will pass through new stage finish location Gumeracha twice before setting out on an undulating loop through towns including Lobethal, Charleston, Mount Torrens and Birdwood. From there it’s all about the sprinters – and whether their leadout trains can fire.
Stage 2 | Tanunda - Tanunda (128.8 km)
The Barossa has delivered big race moments from the get-go. Ready for more? Look to Stage 2, which will loop anti-clockwise through the hills, vineyards 🍷 and communities that shape this world-famous wine 🍷 region.
Tanunda remains in the spotlight here, hosting the stage start and finish and two passes from the peloton. Angaston, Nuriootpa and Greenock are among other towns set to welcome riders, while local landmark Mengler Hill will see plenty of action too.
On paper this stage belongs to a sprinter – but the big question is whether they can stay in touch uphill and regroup in time for the line.
Stage 3 | Norwood - Uraidla (147.5 km)
New year, new climb. Meet Knotts Hill climb on Pound Road near Ashton, a fresh challenge for the world’s best. It features on an unrelenting stage that also offers an array of classic elements.
Riders will begin in Norwood and head for the slopes of Norton Summit, then push further into the Adelaide Hills and towards the Uraidla finish. The journey there is anything but cruisy, with two big climbs, tight turns and a rollercoaster last approach in the mix.
There are few certainties in bike racing, and none when the stage’s biggest challenge is making its debut.
Stage 4 | Glenelg - Victor Harbor (157.2 km)
We return to longtime Santos Tour Down Under territory on Stage 4. Its Glenelg start and Victor Harbor finish also featured during the race’s first edition in 1999 – a stage won in emphatic style by none other than Stuart O’Grady OAM.
Now we head back to the coast for a winding route that includes the beautiful Waitpinga Road and a testing ascent of Nettle Hill in Hindmarsh Valley. Are we going to see a breakaway rider first to the line, or a pack fighting it out? All eyes will be on the Fleurieu Peninsula for this crucial day of competition.
Stage 5 | McLaren Vale - Willunga Hill (145.7 km)
A summer’s day in McLaren Vale is normally a chance to relax. Not so for riders, who face a tough afternoon while touring the district’s most scenic roads.
The formidable Willunga Hill returns – this time with a new twist. First comes a descent of its slopes, followed by a loop that will take cyclists out to the Aldinga coast, past celebrated wineries 🍷 and up the steep Wickham Hill.
Two ascents of Willunga Hill are set to determine the stage winner, and there’s plenty of potential for a breakaway to call the shots.
Stage 6 | Adelaide - Adelaide (90 km)
Twenty-five years as Australia’s greatest cycling race calls for a Super Sunday celebration! 🥂 Ours will happen in the heart of Adelaide on this closing stage – a circuit sure to set up a thrilling sprint finish.
There will be back-to-back racing on this final Super Sunday, with the women's peloton racing the race route in what will be their first Classic race of the season.
It’s the original city race route used from 2001, another nod to our history and one with ample vantage points of the action. King William Street, War Memorial Drive and Montefiore Hill will feature, marking the final time this route will be used in the Santos Tour Down Under.
...
I'll be pulling for Esteban Chaves because he is still the biggest smile in the peloton, and Geraint Thomas because he's old and us old people have gotsta stick together!
Right now this thread is just a scaffolding I'll be adding to as time gets closer and more info trickles in (primarily the weather forecast), but for now here is the men's preliminary start list: https://tourdownunder.com.au/race/mens/start-listAnd of course some maps and profiles, the write-ups I borrowed from the official TDU race site:
Stage 1 | Prospect - Gumeracha (150.7 km)
A long first day in the saddle will take cyclists from bustling Prospect to deep in the Adelaide Hills. First, though, comes a climb up Gorge Road at Paracombe and a journey to Williamstown on the Barossa’s southern fringe.
The men will pass through new stage finish location Gumeracha twice before setting out on an undulating loop through towns including Lobethal, Charleston, Mount Torrens and Birdwood. From there it’s all about the sprinters – and whether their leadout trains can fire.
Stage 2 | Tanunda - Tanunda (128.8 km)
The Barossa has delivered big race moments from the get-go. Ready for more? Look to Stage 2, which will loop anti-clockwise through the hills, vineyards 🍷 and communities that shape this world-famous wine 🍷 region.
Tanunda remains in the spotlight here, hosting the stage start and finish and two passes from the peloton. Angaston, Nuriootpa and Greenock are among other towns set to welcome riders, while local landmark Mengler Hill will see plenty of action too.
On paper this stage belongs to a sprinter – but the big question is whether they can stay in touch uphill and regroup in time for the line.
Stage 3 | Norwood - Uraidla (147.5 km)
New year, new climb. Meet Knotts Hill climb on Pound Road near Ashton, a fresh challenge for the world’s best. It features on an unrelenting stage that also offers an array of classic elements.
Riders will begin in Norwood and head for the slopes of Norton Summit, then push further into the Adelaide Hills and towards the Uraidla finish. The journey there is anything but cruisy, with two big climbs, tight turns and a rollercoaster last approach in the mix.
There are few certainties in bike racing, and none when the stage’s biggest challenge is making its debut.
Stage 4 | Glenelg - Victor Harbor (157.2 km)
We return to longtime Santos Tour Down Under territory on Stage 4. Its Glenelg start and Victor Harbor finish also featured during the race’s first edition in 1999 – a stage won in emphatic style by none other than Stuart O’Grady OAM.
Now we head back to the coast for a winding route that includes the beautiful Waitpinga Road and a testing ascent of Nettle Hill in Hindmarsh Valley. Are we going to see a breakaway rider first to the line, or a pack fighting it out? All eyes will be on the Fleurieu Peninsula for this crucial day of competition.
Stage 5 | McLaren Vale - Willunga Hill (145.7 km)
A summer’s day in McLaren Vale is normally a chance to relax. Not so for riders, who face a tough afternoon while touring the district’s most scenic roads.
The formidable Willunga Hill returns – this time with a new twist. First comes a descent of its slopes, followed by a loop that will take cyclists out to the Aldinga coast, past celebrated wineries 🍷 and up the steep Wickham Hill.
Two ascents of Willunga Hill are set to determine the stage winner, and there’s plenty of potential for a breakaway to call the shots.
Stage 6 | Adelaide - Adelaide (90 km)
Twenty-five years as Australia’s greatest cycling race calls for a Super Sunday celebration! 🥂 Ours will happen in the heart of Adelaide on this closing stage – a circuit sure to set up a thrilling sprint finish.
There will be back-to-back racing on this final Super Sunday, with the women's peloton racing the race route in what will be their first Classic race of the season.
It’s the original city race route used from 2001, another nod to our history and one with ample vantage points of the action. King William Street, War Memorial Drive and Montefiore Hill will feature, marking the final time this route will be used in the Santos Tour Down Under.
...
I'll be pulling for Esteban Chaves because he is still the biggest smile in the peloton, and Geraint Thomas because he's old and us old people have gotsta stick together!
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