Cycling packages for Santos Tour Down Under
The Adventure Collective, (tourdownundertravel.com) one of the official tour operators of the Santos Tour Down Under, has announced a new range of great travel packages for avid cyclists, holiday makers and spectators alike.
Whether you're looking for a full week of cycling and racing action, or want a short break as part of a longer Australian holiday to experience the racing highlights, there are plenty of options available.
The Santos Tour Down Under (tourdownunder.com.au) runs next January from the 16th to 23rd, the first ProTour Cycling event of the season. It was first held in 1999 and in 2010 the event attracted record crowds of 77,500 making it the largest cycling race in the southern hemisphere, bringing a massive party atmosphere to the streets of South Australia (southaustralia.com).
Amateur cyclists and spectators can get involved by opting for one of five new exciting packages including the brand new “Pre-Tour Training Camp” package:
• Pre-Tour Training Camp with Patrick Jonker, a former Tour Down Under winner – 5-days hosted by the cycling legend
• Go Pro – 8-days for the complete experience for cycling enthusiasts
• Weekend Warrior – 3-days including the Mutual Community Challenge Tour and the Legends’ Night Dinner
• Legend’s Weekend – 2-day spectator package
• Lead Out Tour Daily Highlights - daily packages for the avid spectator
With spectacular beaches, beautiful scenery, wildlife on your doorstep, great food and wine and one of the world’s best cycling races, it’s no surprise thousands of people flock to Adelaide each January, away from the European winter, to be part of the action.
Europe may be the traditional home of cycling but since 1999, South Australia has been making a name for itself in the cycling world. Now the first stop on the world cycling calendar, the Santos Tour Down Under became the first event outside Europe to join the prestigious UCI ProTour and attracts over three quarters of a million fans from across Australia and around the world to Adelaide each January.
For British cycling fans and holiday makers, it’s a chance to get away for some winter sunshine – Adelaide averages 28 degrees in January while here in England we can expect 2- 6 degrees – to watch the first cycling race of the year and enjoy the sunshine, scenery and great hospitality that South Australia has to offer.
The new packages include:
Pre-Tour Training Camp with Patrick Jonker – 5 days/4 nights, 12th-16th January 2011. This new package, hosted by legendary cycling champion Patrick Jonker, includes daily training rides and workshops, plus valuable riding tips from the experts. Prices start from AUD$$1,195.00.
Go Pro – 8 days/7 nights, 16th- 23rd January 2011. This package provides cycling enthusiasts with the complete experience. There is flexible cycling along sections of each race stage, daily transport and up-close racing action at selected vantage points. Prices start from AUD$$2,980.00. Standard and premium accommodation options are also available.
Weekend Warrior – 3 days/3 nights, 20th- 23rd January 2011. This package, ideal for those short on time but who still want to experience the action, includes the Mutual Community Challenge Tour and gala event, and the Legends’ Night Dinner. Prices start from AUD$2,125.
Legend’s Weekend – 2 days/2 nights, 21st – 23rd January 2011. This spectator-only package includes race viewing and gourmet lunch, an escorted coach day tour with race viewing and the Legends’ Night Dinner. Prices from AUD$1,195.
Lead Out Tour Daily Highlights – Daily packages between 18th and 22nd January 2011. These packages are aimed at the avid spectator or holiday maker that will be in Soutn Australia and include coach transfers to race viewing points with a gourmet picnic style lunch with wine/beer. Prices start from AUD$135.
Prices include accommodation (except the Lead Out Tour), some meals and transfers.
Santos Tour Down Under 2011 race routes are:
16th January – Cancer Council Classic - Rymill Park, Adelaide (51 kms)
17th January – Rest Day
18th January – Stage 1 - Mawson Lakes to Angaston (138 kms)
19th January – Stage 2 - Tailem Bend to Mannum (146 kms)
20th January – Stage 3 - Unley to Stirling (129 kms)
21st January – Mutual Community Stage 4 - Norwood to Strathalbyn (124 kms)
22nd January – Jayco Stage 5 – McLaren Vale to Willunga (131 kms)
23rd January – Stage 6 – Adelaide City Council Street Circuit (90 kms)
Total Santos Tour Down Under UCI ProTour race distance (Stages 1-6) is 758 kms.
