Whether a die-hard road racing fan, new to the sport, completely clueless or even a little cynical, it’s time to see for yourself what all the fuss is about at the Santos Tour Down Under in South Australia. Billed as a ‘Festival of Cycling,’ the event now in its 18th year runs from 14 – 22 January and involves much more than just the race element. From a free concert featuring Birds of Tokyo to the public participation Bupa Challenge Tour, free spin classes and the Unley Gourmet Gala – a gourmand’s delight, the Santos Tour Down Under can easily fill a few days. The Australian event sits proudly alongside the Tour de France on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar, cycling’s governing body, recognised by the International Olympic Committee. But with the event nearly upon us, why go this year and is it still possible to make the most of it? Read on to find out why SA is where you should be in mid-January 2017.
Where’s the party at? Adelaide.
Adelaide’s size lends itself to a party atmosphere. Big enough to stage world-class events such as the Santos Tour Down Under yet compact enough to really feel the buzz and be buoyed by the 790,000 + crowd’s energy. With two free concerts including Birds of Tokyo and DJ Havana Brown and several street parties, there will be plenty of tunes and good vibes while you soak up the balmy nights. Still need convincing? South Australia has just been named the country’s Best Event State for the second year running at the 2016 Australian Event Awards.
I like cycling, but I don’t mind cricket or AFL either…
So you like your cycling but what do you do when the cyclists are having their rest day? For the first time in the event’s 18 year history, you’ll be able to scale to new heights by climbing the rooftop of the world-renowned Adelaide Oval. New last year, the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb allows you to ascend the convex roof to take in views of Adelaide and the coast while learning of the oval’s hallowed history and modern-day happenings including AFL games and the entertaining T20 cricket matches.
A fun day out for the ladies
Ladies Day On Tour is back for a third year in a row and with limited tickets remaining, you can still get your pass for a day of cycling action, food, fashion and South Australian wine. Enjoy a walk-through of the start line and absorb the excitement as you take front row seats at the start of the race.
My partner’s not into cycling…
Don’t let this stop you from enjoying the first race on the UCI calendar; in fact, it may even earn you some brownie points too. Lonely Planet recently voted South Australia as the fifth best region to visit in 2017 and while you’re busy watching the peloton, your partner may find themselves busy sampling South Australia’s finest wine, being a culture vulture on North Terrace home to the Art Gallery of South Australia, Botanic Gardens and South Australian Museum or feeling the sand between their toes on one of SA’s great stretches of beach. Compact and easy to get around, your partner will become very familiar with Adelaide’s best bits while you become familiar with the voice of Phil Liggett.
Girls can’t ride…
Said nobody ever! South Australia has seen women’s cycling go from strength to strength since the inaugural Santos Women’s Tour in 2015 and again in 2016 when the race was granted international status by the world’s governing body. This year, the women will take on the bitumen in the Adelaide Hills, city, and Barossa over four stages from 14 – 17 January.
So, pack a bag – whether for the weekend or the entire nine days – and soak up all the cycling and non-cycling action SA has to offer.
Image credits: South Australian Tourism Commission
