We were fortunate to be in Adelaide during the time of Australia’s premier cycling race; “The Tour Down Under.” Established in 1999, after the Australian Grand Prix Formula I race had moved to Melbourne, this race became part of the “Union Cycliste Internationale” (UCI) World Tour - with all 18 UCI World Teams participating. Most folks are familiar with the “Tour de France”, the oldest (starting in 1903) and most famous of the UCI World Tour events. The Tour Down Under is similar in that it is a multi-stage event held in and around Adelaide over several days. It is now the biggest cycling event in the Southern Hemisphere and the first UCI World Tour event to take place outside cycling’s traditional home of Europe. Held in January each year, this is also the first race on the international cycling calendar. Sponsored by the Australian Oil and Gas Company, “Santos”, the Tour Down Under attracts the elite of world cycling. America’s Lance Armstrong competed in this race three times prior to his retirement from cycling in 2011. Part of this year’s event included a 22-lap (31 mile) route around Adelaide, known as the “People’s Choice Classic,” as well as a pre-race running event known as the “Undies Run” - a 1.5 mile fun-packed family run to raise monies for Bowel Cancer research. We had a fabulous time experiencing all that this day had to offer.
...bicycles of all sorts ...and prices...