Join the southern hemisphere's only protour cycle race

Cycling enthusiasts looking to experience the only ProTour cycling race outside Europe should visit South Australia next January for the country’s premier cycling race – Tour Down Under – for the opportunity to cycle sections of the race, observe the race up close and meet some of the famous cycling stars.

Tour Down Under, which this year celebrated its 10th anniversary, attracts the world’s top riders and teams many of whom compete at this level in other ProTours like the Tour de France. 2009 is expected to see 18-teams taking part in what is considered to be the Southern Hemisphere’s equivalent of the Tour de France from 20-27 January.

In an exclusive arrangement, cycling fans can now experience Tour Down Under for themselves with Flight Centre as the operator has 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 when recreational cyclists ride one of the stages before the official teams hit the road, and by meeting some of the sports stars at the VIP Legends Night dinner.

This itinerary (excluding international flights) 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.

BACKGROUND

Tour Down Under 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.

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

For further information on South Australia, see southaustralia.com.