What Is 2012 Santos Tour Down Under

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under was the 14th edition of the race, held from January 17 to 22, 2012, in and around Adelaide, South Australia. It was the first event of the 2012 UCI World Tour, won by Belgium's Simon Gerrans of the Orica-GreenEdge team.

Key Facts

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under ran from January 17 to 22, 2012
It was the first event of the 2012 UCI World Tour calendar
Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEdge) won the overall race in 2012
The race covered approximately 860 kilometers over 6 stages
Over 450,000 spectators attended the event across South Australia

Overview

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under marked the 14th edition of Australia’s premier cycling race and the opening event of the UCI World Tour season. Held in South Australia, the race attracted top-tier international teams and riders eager to start their competitive year on a strong note.

Centered around Adelaide, the race featured six stages of road cycling competition, including flat sprints, hill climbs, and a decisive individual time trial. The event not only showcased elite athletic performance but also served as a major tourism and economic driver for the region.

Stage 1 (January 17): A 135.5 km route from Prospect to Tanunda, won by André Greipel of Germany, who claimed the first ochre leader’s jersey.
Stage 2 (January 18): A 151.5 km loop from Lobethal to Mount Barker, where Simon Gerrans surged on the final climb to take the stage and assume race leadership.
Stage 3 (January 19): A flat 135 km stage from Stirling to Unley, won in a sprint by Peter Sagan of Slovakia.
Stage 4 (January 20): A 149.5 km route from McLaren Vale to Victor Harbor, where Gerrans extended his lead with consistent climbing support from his Orica-GreenEdge teammates.
Stage 5 (January 21): A 122 km individual time trial in Adelaide’s East End, won by Cameron Meyer, though Gerrans maintained enough time to keep the overall lead.

How It Works

The Santos Tour Down Under operates as a multi-stage road cycling race, combining speed, endurance, and tactical team coordination across varied terrain. Each stage contributes to the overall General Classification, with time bonuses awarded at intermediate sprints and stage finishes.

Ochre Jersey: Awarded to the overall race leader, the most prestigious classification. In 2012, Simon Gerrans wore it after Stage 2 and held it to the finish.
Sprint Classification: The green jersey is awarded based on points from stage finishes and intermediate sprints. In 2012, it was won by South Africa’s Heinrich Haussler.
King of the Mountains: The polka dot jersey goes to the best climber. In 2012, it was claimed by Australia’s Luke Durbridge after consistent hill performances.
Young Rider: The white jersey is for the highest-placed rider under 25. In 2012, Poland’s Rafał Majka wore it after strong finishes in hilly stages.
Team Classification: Based on cumulative times of the top three riders per team daily. Orica-GreenEdge won this in 2012, reflecting strong team cohesion.
Combativity Award: Given daily to the most aggressive rider. Multiple riders, including Cameron Meyer and Tom-Jelte Slagter, received it for breakaway efforts.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2012 Tour Down Under with the previous year’s edition and the following year’s race:

Category	2011 Edition	2012 Edition	2013 Edition
Overall Winner	Matthew Goss (AUS)	Simon Gerrans (AUS)	Tom-Jelte Slagter (NED)
Winning Time	19h 23' 45"	19h 15' 32"	19h 08' 11"
Total Distance	~845 km	~860 km	~870 km
Number of Stages	6	6	6
UCI Classification	UCI World Calendar	UCI World Tour	UCI World Tour

The 2012 race was notable for tighter time gaps and more aggressive racing, especially in the final climb on Stage 2. The transition to the UCI World Tour format increased team participation and global media coverage, elevating the event’s profile beyond previous years.

Why It Matters

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under had lasting significance for Australian cycling and the global racing calendar. As the first UCI World Tour event of the year, it set the tone for the season and provided early momentum for riders and teams.

Boosted National Pride: Simon Gerrans’ victory marked the first Australian overall win since 2005, energizing domestic cycling fans and media.
Global Exposure: Broadcast in over 180 countries, the race increased visibility for Australian cities and sponsors like Santos and Orica.
Economic Impact: Generated an estimated AUD $45 million in tourism and local spending across South Australia.
Team Launchpad: Orica-GreenEdge, a new Australian World Tour team, used the race to establish credibility on the international stage.
Environmental Focus: The 2012 edition introduced sustainability initiatives, including carbon offset programs for team travel.
Youth Development: The race inspired junior cycling programs, with over 10,000 kids participating in associated school events.

The 2012 Tour Down Under remains a benchmark for early-season racing excellence and national sporting achievement, demonstrating how sport can drive cultural and economic value.