Stage 4: Norwood to Goolwa and Mutual Community Challenge Tour - 149.5km
Friday January 22
Stage
4 of the Tour is one of striking contrasts, where the cosmopolitan streets of
Norwood give way to the scenic vistas of the Adelaide Hills and the Fleurieu
Peninsula in preparation for the final sprint to the historic river town of
Goolwa.
The 11km race neutral zone until Gorge Road at Athelstone will have
riders coasting along celebrated cafe strip, ‘The Parade’ at Norwood. The steady
pace of riders will make for great viewing of your race favourites up close and
a chance to indulge in the alfresco delights that Norwood is celebrated for.
Norwood’s vibrant village-like vibe is a result of its mix of
multicultural and gourmet food, and a vast selection of shopping destinations,
from upscale fashion boutiques to stylish furniture stores - all only 6km east
of Adelaide’s city centre.
When it comes to food, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Norwood. More
than 30 restaurants are located in its leafy streets, with tastes from around
the globe. Try Greek, Italian, Thai, Spanish, Nepalese or Indian, or visit the
legendary Vari's Italian grocery.
While you’re there look out for the Norwood historical walk - a series
of plaques in The Parade's footpath detailing the lives of famous folk including
author May Gibbs, of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie fame, and Aussie poet CJ Dennis -
author of The Sentimental Bloke - who once lived in Norwood.
Back on the track, things will start to speed up once the riders hit
Gorge road, starting a steady climb through the idyllic mountain bike trail
studded Cudlee Creek. But competitors won’t have time to take in the scenery as
they power up the steep incline to Lenswood and battle it out for the King of
the Mountain jersey.
After the gruelling King of the Mountain, riders will navigate the hilly roads through Woodside, Inverbrackle, Nairne, and Littlehampton before a short chance to rest their legs on the downhill slope towards Strathalbyn.
After the feed station at Strathablyn, riders will be charging up for the first of two sprint legs and on to a lightening finish. As they hit Main Street at Langhorne Creek, get ready to see the frontrunners passing at blistering speeds with the chance to show the crowd what they’re made of.
Having already pushed through 94.7km, these elite athletes will be using everything they’ve got to make good time in the sprint.
The first sprint takes them alongside the blue waters of Lake Alexandria, before the second sprint starts at Daranda Terrace in Milang for another punishing 35.3km to the race finish.
The breakaway will battle it out as they push towards the finish line through Currency Creek (once planned to be the capital of South Australia) and on to the river town of Goolwa. Situated on the mouth of the Murray River, Goolwa is one of South Australia’s most historic towns and once a significant river port.
This sprint finish is not to be missed – get set to see some aggressive riding in these later stages.
Stage 4 of the Tour is also the setting for the Mutual Community Challenge Tour - the official recreation ride of the Santos Tour Down Under, which attracted more than 7000 riders in 2009. Departing only hours before the professionals’ race start, members of the community get the chance to test themselves on a 35km, 11km or 160.5km circuit. Groups of five or more can ride as a team in this fun but challenging event.