Adelaide is set to be the host city for a round of the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup in 2024, integrated seamlessly into the renowned Santos Tour Down Under’s festival of events.
Para-cycling is open to athletes with a physical or visual impairment and is divided into track and road events. This groundbreaking international sporting event is set to gather over 300 of the world’s elite para-cycling athletes, accompanied by 200 support staff, in Adelaide from January 13th to 17th, 2024.
It marks the first time that South Australia will play host to the Para-cycling Road World Cup since Sydney in 2011.
South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison, celebrated the news, reaffirming the state’s status as Australia’s premier cycling destination.
“We are committed to inclusion and diversity in the sports that we host here in South Australia and are proud to support another international high calibre cycling event alongside the Santos Tour Down Under,” Minister Bettison said.
“The Para-cycling Road World Cup will offer an exciting opportunity for local cycling fans and visitors to our state to see the world’s best in action and inspire more people to get involved in sport and experience the many benefits participation brings.”
For avid fans and newcomers to the sport alike, the opportunity to witness para-cycling athletes in action will become a reality on January 13th, as Adelaide’s city center hosts the team relay event. This event will unfold on the same 1.35km criterium circuit as the men’s Down Under Classic race later in the evening, right by the City of Adelaide Tour Village in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga.
Following the city event, the competition will shift to The Bend Motorsport Park near Tailem Bend for both time trials and road races.
Marne Fechner, CEO of AusCycling, highlighted the synergy of incorporating this competition into the Santos Tour Down Under, emphasising Australia’s pivotal role in the global cycling scene.
“Australia is the centre of world cycling in January, so it’s exciting to be hosting the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup in Adelaide, on home soil for the first time in 13 years,” Ms Fechner said.
“This event will showcase and celebrate how inclusive the sport of cycling is, and how riding a bike can transform lives. It will also be a crucial event for Australia’s world-class para-cyclists as they prepare for next year’s Paralympic Games.”
Darren Hicks, a Paralympic champion cyclist, expressed his excitement about competing in front of his home crowd in South Australia. Hicks lauded the convenience of competing closer to home, and he eagerly anticipates the opportunity to showcase Adelaide and Australia to the para-cycling world.
“I’ve had the privilege of competing all around the world, but racing a UCI World Cup just an hour away from home instead of taking three flights and 30 hours of travel is a real treat. Plus, getting to show off what Adelaide and Australia have to offer to the para-cycling world will be very special.
“I’m looking forward to soaking in the support of the Australian crowds and taking part in the wider Santos Tour Down Under festival.”
The Adelaide round of the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup will serve as one of three crucial rounds of competition in 2024, providing para-cyclists with a vital opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
Stay tuned for the full program of events for the Santos Tour Down Under festival, set to be unveiled on November 1st.
The Santos Tour Down Under is scheduled to take place from January 12th to 21st, 2024, spanning Adelaide and regional South Australia. With nine days of elite racing for both men and women, this event promises to be a highlight on the global cycling calendar.
Please visit tourdownunder.com.au for more information.
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