2015 Santos Tour Down Under set to be the best ever

The South Australian Government is hoping that its increased investment in the Santos Tour Down Under will make the event the biggest and best ever.

The investment by the South Australian Government Government aims to ensure that the Tour maintains its international reputation as the best UCI WorldTour event outside of Europe, and the biggest event of its type in the southern hemisphere.

Introducing the 2015 Tour, South Australian Tourism Minister Leon Bignell explained "our extra investment this year, backed by the growing support of the events sponsors, has enabled organisers to schedule a range of great new events and activities to support the Tour.

“The Santos Women’s Tour, which starts today and continues until Tuesday, is a great example of the new events helping to build an electric atmosphere around the Tour Down Under.”

Other new activities and events this year include:

• Family Day – part of the Bupa Mini Tour for Kids during Stage 6
• Ladies Day – Wednesday 21st January – includes food and fashion, and a special behind-the-scenes Tour experience
• Taste the Tour – presented by Thomas Foods – a new food area in the Adelaide City Council Tour Village and Bike Expo
• Friday Night in the Village – Friday 23rd January – great Friday night entertainment in the Village
• Subaru Tour Tracker – a downloadable app providing up-to-date information about the race and Tour events.

The 2015 Santos Tour Down Under started on Friday (16th January) with the traditional pre-race Teams Presentation in Victoria Square, featuring the international voices of cycling Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin, followed by a free concert by ARIA award-winning group Sheppard.

The Presentation saw all 19 teams introduced individually, followed by live interviews on stage.

Minister Bignall said the Festival was an ideal support act for the Tour, adding "it enables the public to get involved, and it helps to build a great atmosphere in the city at this time of the year."

The inaugural Santos Women’s Tour will see Australia’s top female cyclists battle for victory as part of Cycling Australia’s Subaru National Road Series.

The 2014 Santos Tour Down Under was a finalist in last year's Australian Event Awards

The 2015 Santos Tour Down Under runs until Sunday 25th January.

For more information go to www.tourdownunder.com.au

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14th September 2012 - DOUBLE WIN FOR 2012 SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER 

8th October 2009 - OVERHAUL FOR ADELAIDE’S VICTORIA SQUARE