A new stage route and grass start are just two exciting new components of the 2013 Santos Tour Down Under, launched today.
The new race routes revealed a stage start in Mt Barker for the first time, while Rostrevor will host its inaugural stage finish.
Minister for Tourism Gail Gago said next year’s event would introduce several new elements while also celebrating its fifteenth anniversary.
“I’m excited to see that next year’s event includes a number of towns or suburbs which will be involved in hosting a stage start or finish for the first time. It gives us an opportunity to showcase more unique parts of South Australia and the economic benefit to these towns will be significant,” Minister Gago said.
“Victoria Square will host a fifteen year birthday celebration for the event on Saturday 19 January, incorporating a range of entertainment and the official team presentation.
“It will be a great opportunity to welcome our interstate and overseas visitors as well as all the teams.
“Last year’s Santos Tour Down Under generated more than $42 million in economic impact alone.” She said.
Other new aspects to the 2013 UCI World Tour race include a new ŠKODA King of the Mountain climb and, for the first time, a spread of stages catering for both sprinters and all rounders equally.
After successfully hosting stages last year, Prospect, Lobethal, Unley, Stirling, Tanunda, McLaren Vale and Old Willunga Hill will again host stage starts or finishes.
Stage Two from Mount Barker to Rostrevor will be the shortest open road stage in the race’s history at 116 kilometres, however it will include a ŠKODA King of the Mountain climb on the gruelling Corkscrew Road and also be only the second metropolitan finish in the event’s history.
In Stage One, three sprints will take place in Charleston in the Adelaide Hills, the first stage to ever include three sprints.
Professional and recreational cyclists will set off from Modbury in Bupa Stage Four, which will be a grass start – the first in this event’s history and possibly any road racing event world-wide.
As the largest cycling race in the southern hemisphere and the first stop on the world cycling calendar, the Santos Tour Down Under will again attract an extremely high calibre of cyclists.
“The Santos Tour Down Under sees an influx of visitors into the state and encourages locals to get out into their own backyard,” Minister Gago said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase Adelaide and the fabulous regions of South Australia.” She said.
Santos Chief Executive David Knox said the company was proud to be the naming rights sponsor for a major event that attracts elite cyclists and visitors from around the world.
“Our announcement in January to extend our naming rights sponsorship until 2016 demonstrates our dedication to an event that provides the state with so much energy and showcases South Australia’s beautiful and vibrant regions to a global audience,” Mr Knox said.
“We look forward to again working with Events South Australia and other sponsors to grow the popularity of the event and increase the economic benefits for the state.”
The Santos Tour Down Under will be held from 20 to 27 January, 2013.
2013 Santos Tour Down Under race routes:
Sunday 20 January – People’s Choice Classic – Rymill Park, Adelaide (51km)
Monday 21 January – Rest day
Tuesday 22 January – Stage 1 – Prospect to Lobethal (135km)
Wednesday 23 January – Stage 2 – Mt Barker to Rostrevor (116.5km)
Thursday 24 January – Stage 3 – Unley to Stirling (139km)
Friday 25 January – Bupa Stage 4 – Modbury to Tanunda (126.5km)
Saturday 26 January – Jayco Stage 5 – McLaren Vale to Old Willunga Hill (151.5km)
Sunday 27 January – Stage 6 – Elder Park, Adelaide (90km)
The 2013 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia. For more information visit www.tourdownunder.com.au
More News
