Gearing up for the Tour
by Rebecca Jenkins
The race might not start until next year but UniSA is already gearing up for the Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under.
For the first time, Mawson Lakes will play host to all the colour and excitement of the cycling festival when it stages the start of the second day of racing. Cyclists and fans from around Australia and the world will congregate for the start of the 148km stage, which finishes in Tanunda, in the Barossa Valley.
UniSA already has strong links with the tour, having sponsored a team in the event since 2000 and with a growing band of staff riding in the Be Active Tour for recreational riders. The University is also planning The 2nd Thinking on Two Wheels Cycling Conference to coincide with the tour.
Team UniSA’s Adrian Laidler, who is the rider featured in stunning posters for next year’s tour, said it was great that Mawson Lakes had been chosen as the starting point on January 18.
“This year there was a start in Salisbury and the amount of people who turned out for that was incredible. It brings a lot of tourists into an area, which is fantastic,” he said.
Laidler, who has ridden in the tour for five years, said the atmosphere for spectators and riders was unique.
“Many of the riders say it’s the best race of the year – it’s a great atmosphere. It’s relaxed, the sun is shining and the people in South Australia really get into the spirit of it.“
Since it began in 1999, the Tour Down Under has continued to grow in popularity. Latest figures show this year’s event attracted 11,607 international and national visitors and generated at least $13.2 million for the state’s economy.
Institute for Telecommunications Research business manager Jeff Kasparian is looking forward to the Be Active Tour, where he hopes to build on UniSA’s fantastic turnout this year.
Kasparian urged all UniSA staff to think about taking part in the recreational ride – especially those who would usually feel daunted by such an event.
“The shortest distance this year is 24km, with the other two options being 93km or the full 154km – whatever the distance, we are encouraging people to just get out there, try it and experience the atmosphere,” he said.
“You don’t have to be an elite athlete with a $5000 bike – there’s no pressure to go quickly.”
Organisers hope to tap into expertise within the University to offer riders expert advice on various aspects of training for the big day, including nutrition. There will also be training rides to help prepare people for the various course distances that take in the 154km Strathalbyn to Yankalilla stage.
Following the success of this year’s inaugural Thinking on Two Wheels Cycling Conference, the University plans to stage another event at the Hilton Hotel, Adelaide, on Monday, January 16, the day before the race starts.
Conference convenor Dr Stuart Clement said the conference was an ideal forum to explore the broad range of issues around cycling.
“Whether people cycle for recreation, competition, to commute or to maintain a healthy lifestyle – cycling benefits our community in numerous ways,” Dr Clement said. “The conference reflects UniSA’s strong commitment to promoting cycling.”
UniSA's Tour Down Under website : www.unisa.edu.au/tdu
The Tour Down Under website :
www.tourdownunder.com.au