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Huge Crowds Celebrate Santos Tour Down Under

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under was a phenomenal success with crowds of more than 750,000 people lining the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia to see the world’s best cyclists in action.

Preliminary crowd figures reveal the eight-day event attracted 753, 000 spectators.

Race Director Mike Turtur said the 14th Santos Tour Down Under event had been a huge success, of which all South Australians should be proud.

“It was an honour to welcome such a high calibre of cyclists to South Australia and to see the next generation of Australian superstars, including this year’s winner, Simon Gerrans from GreenEDGE, in action,’’ he says.

“It was fantastic that GreenEDGE could start their first season as a team at the Santos Tour Down Under and end it on such a high note.”
“While the new generation of cycling dominated the roads this week the 14th Santos Tour Down Under was also the chance to honour legendary cyclist Eddy Merckx.

“It was an honour to have the world’s best cyclist at our event and to be so involved in the race, riding in the Bupa Challenge Tour, sharing stories about his amazing career at the Legends’ Night Dinner and taking the time to meet thousands of fans throughout the week.”

Mr Turtur said yesterday’s race through the streets of Adelaide was a thrilling finale after what has been an enthralling week of racing.
“It was a fantastic week of racing around the State with huge crowds of people embracing the race and getting into the spirit of the event.

The Santos Tour Down Under really is a festival of cycling and it was great to see so many events, from street parties to barbecues, taking place around the State.”

“The Santos Tour Down Under is a perfect opportunity to showcase the State’s gems to the rest of the world, including the scenic Clare Valley, the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.”

“To all the towns, businesses and private residences who made the effort to decorate their places and welcome the riders – thank you for putting on a spectacular show and congratulations to Lobethal, the winner of the Santos Best Dressed Competition.”

“It has been great to see so many people, of all ages and abilities, out on their bikes this month, with more than 7000 people taking part in the Bupa Challenge Tour from Norwood to Tanunda on Friday, January 20 and more than 350 children riding in the Bupa Mini Tour For Kids yesterday.”

Meanwhile, the expanded Adelaide City Council Tour Village, which this year included a bike expo, was a hub of activity during the tour with thousands of cycling fans soaking up the atmosphere of the event and having the chance to rub shoulders with the world’s best cyclists.

For more information on the Santos Tour Down Under visit www.tourdownunder.com

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