Tour Down Under International Cycling Race

Tour Down Under International Cycling Race

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Posted 2012-01-05 by Daisy Wheelfollow

Sun 15 Jan 2012 - Sun 22 Jan 2012

The Christmas decorations have been cast aside and New Year's Eve is evaporating in the heat on the horizon. It's time for the next big event on the calendar to arrive in Adelaide. The Tour Down Under is a multi-staged cycling event challenged on the city streets and rural roads of South Australia.



Warning, cycling is addictive. Ride, spectate or celebrate on the course and at nearby party precincts. The TDU has gained momentum since its debut in 1999 and since 2008 it has been the first stop in the UCI World Tour. This promises to attract big names and quality racing so jump on the peloton and enjoy the ride.
Riding the Route

Dust off the saddle and enter the Challenge Tour. This is the chance to ride a stage of the tour on the same day as the professionals. Not at the same time though because this would mean you have fallen behind, a long way behind. Race day is Friday the 20th of January.

Kids can participate in the mini tour which covers a section of the race circuit. Think of this as a healthy way to occupy the young and restless.
Touring the Village

Visit the Tour Village at Victoria Square to meet your mates, catch up on the days racing, observe the mechanics at work or do some star gazing. The village is base camp for riders who start out and return from here each race day. There is free entry to the tour village.

Opening hours

Sunday 15 January 9am - 12:30pm
Monday 16 January 9am - 6:00pm
Tuesday 17 January 4pm - 7.30pm
Wednesday 18 January 4pm - 7.30pm
Thursday 19 January 4pm - 7.30pm
Friday 20 January 4pm - 9pm
Saturday 21 January 4pm - 7pm
& #8195 ;

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Down Under Classic

When - Sunday the 15th of January
Start – 7 pm
Where – Adelaide East End
Distance – 51 km

Stage 1

When – Tuesday 17th of January
Start – 11 am
Where – Prospect to Clare
Distance – 149 km

Stage 2

When – Wednesday 18th of January
Start – 11 am
Where – Lobethal to Stirling
Distance – 148 km

Stage 3

When – Thursday 19th of January
Start – 11 am
Where – Unley to Victor Harbor
Distance – 134.5 km

Stage 4

When – Friday 20th of January
Start – 11 am
Where – Norwood to Tanunda
Distance – 130 km

Stage 5

When – Saturday 21st January
Start – 11:10 am
Where - McLaren Vale to Old Willunga Hill
Distance – 151.5 km

Adelaide City Street Circuit
When – Sunday 22nd January
Start – 1:10 pm
Where – King William Road, Elder Park
Distance – 90 km& #8195 ;
TDU Tips

Q. What is the must see?

A. The criterium events are great for first time spectators as the action is close up and intense. King of the Mountain, sprints, starts and finishes are popular sites.

Q. How's the elbow room?

A. Stake your spot early. In 1999 there were three other cars joining us under the trees at McLaren Vale. Last year we struggled to find a spot among the camper vans and mini buses.

Q. How do I look the part?

A. There are official merchandise vans at the city events, but remember lycra is not for everyone. If the kids are getting ratty on holiday excess there are free promotional handouts about 30 minutes before the race. If you are really keen riders will discard bottles during the race. That is if you are really keen.

%%Q. How much does it cost?
%%
A. That's the great thing about this event. It's free. Yep there's no charge to turn up and see world class professional cycling.

Q. Gearing up?

A. It is often hot in Adelaide in January. Sunscreen, hat, and comfortable walking shoes will contribute to comfort. Deck chairs are also good for reclining during intervals. A camera will capture great race moments (or hot legs). Most race stages are close to amenities but some nibbles help to sustain your energy levels. After all it's hard work.
Loosely translated

Attack
Contrary to first impressions this is does not involve jousting poles. It means picking up speed quickly to break away from the main field.

Bidon
This is French for portable water carrier or Australian for water bottle.

Commissaire
French again. Every race has a referee or an adjudicator to oversee proceedings.

Criterium
This is a bike race held on a city street circuit. The course is usually shorter than a road race and requires the use of a greater range of skills to corner, chase break away riders and hold your line in the bunch. Apparently it is not good to get caught at the back of the peloton in criterium racing. Just imagine being at the tail of massive piece of stretched chewing gum.

Domestique
This is a bit like a 'worker bee'. It is the worker bee's responsibility to serve and protect so that the queen bee wins the race.

Echelon
A daisy chain of riders where cyclist take turns at the head of the chain. The first rider acts as a wind break for the others in the draft. It is good cycling etiquette to do your turn on the front of the chain.

Jersey
The TDU awards distinct tops to riders in a variety of disciplines. For example King of the Mountain, Sprint, Young Rider, Most Aggressive, Leader jerseys. This makes it easier to discern the red sock going around in the washing machine.

Peloton
This is French for pack or bunch and in cycling it refers to the main group of riders. At first sight it resembles a blurred rainbow on the rinse cycle. However there are subtle tactics playing out in the main peloton. Strategic cunning is ubiquitous and position is everything.

Staged Race
This has little to do with the theatre. Staged races are also known as tours. The purpose is to provide different racing environments to test rider skill and reward the rider with the best overall time. This presents challenge for riders and great viewing for spectators.

#fun_things_to_do
#fun_for_children
#sport
!date 15/01/2012 -- 22/01/2012
%wnadelaide
137031 - 2023-06-13 13:12:47

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