Tour ends on brutal climb

THE Tour Down Under’s finale will be held on a gruelling hill climb for the first time in the 20-year history of the cycling race.

Organisers of the race in Adelaide and environs from January 15-20 next year have scrapped the traditional city-based finish with riders to contest the final stage between McLaren Vale and Willunga Hill.

Race director Mike Turtur says the change is designed to heighten interest in the final stage of the annual January event.