The opening race of the WorldTour calendar starts on January 16 and runs for six stages. The Tour Down Under is the first chance for riders to test their form and see what they need to work on ahead of the Spring Classics.

For those of us desperate for the season to start again, the Tour Down Under provides the first chance to see transferred riders on their new teams and get a glimpse of everyone in some degree of new kit.

>>> Tour Down Under 2018: Latest news, info and reports

This year, new channel FreeSports will be broadcasting selected live coverage of the Tour Down Under in the UK. FreeSports is available on Sky, Freeview, Freesat, BT and TalkTalkTV but not Virgin Media.

You can also follow the race via the official TDU Tracker app, available for iOS and Android devices, and the Velon app on which to follow the action as it happens.

>>> Tour Down Under 2018: Stage by stage guide

Cycling Weekly will also be posting video highlights of every stage, and have regular reports and photos from the race so be sure to keep updated with our Tour Down Under coverage.

Tour Down Under: FreeSports schedule

Tuesday January 16, 01.00-03.00, Stage one LIVE
Wednesday January 17, No coverage
Thursday January 18, 12.30-03.00, Stage three LIVE
Friday January 19, No coverage
Saturday January 20, 12.40-05.00, Stage five LIVE
Sunday January 21, 03.00-05.30, Stage six LIVE

Tour Down Under official tracker app

You can catch up on live coverage of the TDU via the race’s official app. In addition to some video and text commentary, this features GPS tracking data. The app is available via the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Velon app

WorldTour team organisation is offering its Live Cycling App that will provide real-time tracking data throughout the Tour Down Under, and other races during the 2018 season. This includes riders’ speed, power, cadence and heart rate.