Lance Armstrong to stage comeback Down Under

Record breaking sportsman, Lance Armstrong, is to return to competitive racing, and in a colossal coup for South Australia, has announced that his first race will be “Tour Down Under” (Adelaide 18-25 January 2009), the first Pro Tour event on the world cycling calendar (tourdownunder.com.au).

Armstrong, seven-time Tour De France champion (1999-2005), who won his first Tour after famously recovering from testicular cancer, retired from racing in 2005. When announcing his return to competitive cycling, Armstrong said it was to promote the worldwide fight against cancer.

Commenting on the announcement, Neil Saunders, marketing manager for the South Australian Tourism Commission in the UK said, “This is incredible news for South Australia (www.southaustralia.com) – the fact that one of the world’s most famous sportsmen will be attending Tour Down Under means that we can expect to reach an even greater worldwide audience, increase awareness of our world class event and the State and boost attendance. Last year we estimated that 15,000 people came from UK and Europe to watch Tour Down Under live from the roadside in Adelaide and we estimate that that number will double next year.

“All this publicity will also increase awareness of the fight against cancer and improve support for cancer charities, such as Livestrong (livestrong.org)”

Tour Down Under, Australia’s premier cycling event and the only ProTour cycling race outside Europe, provides visitors with the opportunity to cycle sections of the race, observe the race up close and meet some of the famous cycling stars.

For an exclusive opportunity to both see Lance in action, as well as to cycle sections of the race, Flight Centre (flightcentre.co.uk) has teamed up with cycling holiday specialist, the Adventure Collective (adventurecollective.com.au) to put together a special eight-day itinerary that not only lets cyclists enjoy a week of sensational cycling, but also allows them to see some of South Australia’s outstanding scenery, indulge in delicious local produce and sample fantastic world renowned wines.

Highlights include witnessing the excitement of the racing action from great vantage points along the route, cycling sections of the race by participating in the Mutual Community Challenge Tour - recreational cyclists ride one of the stages before the official teams hit the road - and the chance to meet some of the sporting stars, like Lance Armstrong, at the VIP Legends Night dinner.

This itinerary is priced from £1,195 per person and includes seven nights half board 4* accommodation, daily organised rides, transfers and support, riding with Olympic gold medallist and Australian legend, Brett Aitken OAM, entry to the Mutual Community Challenge Tour, a limited edition cycle jersey and wine tasting at some of the regions finest vineyards. The tour starts and finishes in the elegant state capital, Adelaide.

Tour Down Under, which in 2009 will celebrate its 11th anniversary, consists of six days of competition racing with riders cycling over 800kms of South Australia cheered along by crowds of more than 500,000.

Cycling routes take in the heart of Adelaide, the city surrounds, the Adelaide Hills, the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Barossa, whilst new routes for 2009 include Norwood to Mawson Lakes and Burnside Village to Angaston.

There is also a new finish at Mawson Lakes, only the second time that a Tour stage finish has been held in the Adelaide metropolitan area.

Another new feature for 2009 will be the addition of “Škoda King of the Mountain” climbs to further test the riders and add to the event’s excitement.

For information and bookings visit flightcentre.co.uk or go direct to the Adventure Collective in South Australia at adventurecollective.com.au.

For more information on the Tour Down Under see tourdownunder.com.au.