SA’s festival of cycling continues today, with the Mens Tour Down Under getting going after an entertaining weekend with the womens events.
Stage One of the Mens’ event started in Prospect at 11:10am this morning and will wind through areas such as Kersbrook, Cudlee Creek and Lobethal before finishing in Gumeracha around 3:20pm.
The womens’ event went off largely without a hitch with Noemi RÜEGG claiming the overall title across the three days, which journeyed around the Fleurieu and Adelaide Hills.
Assistant Race Director Annette Edmonson says they’re proud of how much the Hills and Fleurieu are highlighted by the world class event.
“We try and show off the best that our state has to offer and make sure that we are hitting all of the amazing zones that we’ve got,” Edmonson said.
“We’re also trying to keep it quite close to Adelaide so it’s easier for spectators to get around and be based. If we can highlight and get these stages to cover as much ground within the regions, that’s our main target.”
The SA Government claims last year’s event generated $87.2 million in attendee spend, and added $54.5 million in economic value to the South Australian economy.
Stage 1: Monday 21st January
- Start: 11:10 AM, Prospect Road, Prospect
- Finish: 3:21 PM, Albert Street, Gumeracha
- Distance: 150.7km
- Local Towns: Kersbrook, Cudlee Creek, Lobethal, Birdwood, Gumeracha
Stage 2: Tuesday 22nd January
- Start: 11:10 AM, Murray Street, Tanunda
- Finish: 2:27 PM, Murray Street, Tanunda
- Distance: 128.8km
Stage 3: Wednesday 23rd January
- Start: 11:10 AM, The Parade, Norwood
- Finish: 3:00 PM, Greenhill Road, Uraidla
- Distance: 147.5km
- Local Towns: Ashton, Crafers, Stirling, Echunga, Macclesfield, Mount Barker, Hahndorf, Balhannah, Lenswood, Uraidla
Stage 4: Thursday 24th January
- Start: 11:10 AM, Colley Terrace, Glenelg
- Finish: 3:21 PM, Esplanade, Victor Harbor
- Distance: 157.2km
- Local Towns: McLaren Vale, Sellicks Beach, Myponga, Normanville, Parawa, Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor
Stage 5: Friday 25th January
- Start: 11:10 AM, Main Road, McLaren Vale
- Finish: 2:53 PM, Brookman Road, Willunga Hill
- Distance: 145.7km
- Local Towns: McLaren Vale, Willunga, Aldinga