Tour Down Under finale now a hill climb

Tour Down Under organisers have changed the final stage of the cycling race with a gruelling hill climb set to determine the annual race.

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 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 January event.