The wait is finally over for cycling fans as all the action, excitement and festivities of the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under gets under way on the streets of Adelaide today.
One hundred and thirty one of the world’s best cyclists from 19 teams will battle it out from 7pm in Adelaide’s East End in the Down Under Classic.
Events South Australia General Manager Hitaf Rasheed said the 51km circuit race was an exciting start to the eight-day event and the first chance for cycling fans to see their heroes in action.
“Seeing these elite athletes compete in the heart of the city is a fantastic experience and I urge spectators to come early to secure a vantage spot, enjoy a picnic in the park and soak up the atmosphere of the event.”
Thousands of people are expected to flock to scenic locations around the State this week as the Santos Tour Down Under visits the Clare Valley, Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Prospect and Lobethal will host race starts for the first time, while the Santos Tour Down Under returns to the wine region of Clare and the seaside town of Victor Harbor.
For the first time in the event’s 14 year history, the penultimate stage, Jayco Stage 5, on Saturday, January 21, will finish at the top of Old Willunga Hill.
Down Under Classic Action
· 5.00pm – Santos Tour Down Under official team presentation – teams are introduced to the public in Rymill Park by Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen.
· 7pm – Down Under Classic, 51km – Adelaide’s East End.
For more information about the Santos Tour Down Under visit www.tourdownunder.com.au
Image: Cyclists with native animals at the Tour Down Under Village. Photo by Santos Tour Down Under / Regallo
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