Santos Tour Down Under Classic 2015

Santos Tour Down Under Classic 2015

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Posted 2014-11-30 by Steve Hudsonfollow

Sun 18 Jan 2015 - Mon 26 Jan 2015

[SECTION]People's Choice Classic[/SECTION]

The People's Choice Classic is the opening event of the Santos Tour Down Under program (TDU), and this year it returns to its traditional home at Rymill Park. Starting at 7pm, riders will do 30 laps of the 1.7km circuit in a fraction over an hour. Up for grabs is a trophy, and some bragging rights, but no points towards the TDU as the classic is a separate event to the TDU.



To help everybody through the TDU, and in particular the spectators, visitors, riders, cyclists, foodies and anyone in between, this guide to surviving this stage of the Santos Tour Down Under is offered.

[SECTION]The Race for Foodies[/SECTION]

In 2014 we saw the Fork on the Road crew present Tour De Fork at the Classic. Rumours abound that they will be back again in 2015 following the hugely successful 2014. If they are, then there will be more than enough food choices for everyone.



Notwithstanding the above, there are always good food and drink vendors at Rymill Park, with plenty of offerings for all.

But for those looking for something else, then Rundle Street will be alive with some great meals expected at all locations including The Stag , Sosta , Café Brunelli , Daniels , San Giorgio Pizzeria and the Oyster Bar .

[SECTION]The Race for Spectators[/SECTION]

This race provides spectators with the most viewings of the riders (30 times) albeit with riders travelling at circa 50kmh, it takes talent to pick the individuals. The slowest parts of the race circuit are the (near) hairpin from Bartels Road on to Dequetteville Terrace, and the left hander just after the start / finish line near the Stag Hotel. These two spots offer you vision that would be slightly better than a blur.



There will also be some video screens set up around the circuit. Make sure you get there early though, as these are popular. Aside from a tree or helicopter, some of the other "higher" viewing spots include the balcony of the Stag Hotel (get there early) or from the rooftop of the Kent Town Brewery Apartments.



[SECTION]Before The Race[/SECTION]

Of course this is Adelaide in January, so the list of things to do before the race is endless.

For those who want to start the weekend in style, then there is the Ride Like Crazy Dinner on Friday 16th January. Put aside the lycra, and get yourself frocked up for what is sure to be a great night raising funds for a great cause.

On Saturday morning, why not head on down to the Bay, and join in the Big Red Ride and Run . This slow paced ride, with Australian icon Bradley McGee is sure to be the ideal recovery for those who travelled the extra mile on the night before. As an alternative, for those with the stronger legs, why not take a spin with the Cobwebs group on a slightly faster ride to Outer Harbour and back. On your return, drop in to the Watermark Hotel, and enjoy a coffee and some Rocky Road as part of your recovery.

Later on Saturday, the four stage Santos Womens Cup commences with a ride through the Adelaide Hills to Murray Bridge. The Womens Cup is now part of the Subaru National Road Series for 2015, so come on out and support the women riders. Saturday night sees a presentation of the teams and their riders from 5pm followed by a free concert in Victoria Square.



Sunday sees the annual Ride Like Crazy event through the Adelaide Hills. Join the thousands of riders in this event as they seek to raise over $1m in funds since the inception of this event in 2009.

And of course, the Adelaide City Council Tour Village and Bike Expo will be open all weekend to see all the latest and greatest bike pieces, while enjoying a cup of coffee or grabbing a glass of your favourite beverage.



And at the track itself, the People's Choice Undies Run gives you a chance to run around the cycling track in your undies, before the boys in lycra get there. There is also a host of other pre-event races including the second stage of the Santos Womens Cup, and the Subaru Tour Parade with lots of giveaways for the entire crowd.

[SECTION]Getting there[/SECTION]

With Rymill Park being located in the City Parklands, getting there is not a difficult issue. However finding a park just might be. But if you have come in on your bike, then there are over 550 bike parks around the City that you may find useful, including a number of new ones that have been installed as part of the Bike Art Trail . Why not come to town early, and give all 11 of these interesting bike parks a go ?



[SECTION]Notes for Riders[/SECTION]

And in the event that any of the professional TDU riders read this article, the following hints are offered :

  • The speed limit on city streets is a maximum of 50kmh
  • The race goes for 30 laps. Getting multiple flat tyres and sitting out many laps is technically allowed by the rules, but .....
  • Fork on the Road does not mean that there are hazards on the track
  • The fake tree at Brewery Corner is actually a sculpture by Craige Andrae and not some strange sort of Australian native
  • Don't ride down Rundle Street to get to the race - the smell of the freshly brewed lattes will stop you in your tracks and cause you to be late
  • If you smell methane, don't worry. The Rymill Park lake and rose gardens were created in the 1960s by excavating what was then the Bartels Road rubbish tip.



  • [SECTION]After The Race[/SECTION]

    And after the race has finished at 8:05pm, why not head on down to either Rundle Street for a drink or some dessert at San Churro Chocolateria , Birdcage or Cocolat ..

    Alternatively, if you head to Gouger Street, then there is a good chance you will bump in to some of the riders as they look to devour a bowl or two of pasta after their ride.

    #sport
    #south_australia
    #outdoor
    #fun_things_to_do
    #free
    #cycling
    #adelaide_city
    #january
    !date 18/01/2015 -- 26/01/2015
    %wnadelaide
    104090 - 2023-06-12 11:06:22

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