The route initially follow the coast in southerly direction before climbing up to the Myponga dam after 45 kilometers. The riders then descend back to the coast and move through Carrickalinga and Normaville before returning to climb.
The first of two classified climbs is Parawa Hill, which is 2.9 kilometres long and averages 7%, but also features a 16.7% ramp. The riders have passed the midway marker by now and enter an undulating phase, and eventually a descent to Victor Harbor.
Just before reaching the finish line the route turns inland again. Nettle Hill is the last KOM – 2.5 kilometres at 6.8%, peaking out at 15.6% – and it is crested 20 kilometres before the finish line. Halfway the descent the riders a 2 kilometres climb at shallow gradients before continuing downhill at breakneck speeds towards the finish line.
The last stage winner in Victor Harbor was Giacomo Nizzolo. The Italian outsprinted his compatriot Simone Consonni and Sam Bennett on the line in 2020, although that approach was totally different. In fact, the current approach was never used in the previous decade, despite Victor Harbor being a stage finish on most occasions.
Two intermediate sprints come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds each, while the first three riders one the line take time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds.
Another interesting read: results 2nd stage 2023 Tour Down under.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 2 2023 Tour Down Under.
Tour Down Under 2023 stage 2: route, profile, more
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