YOUR CHANCE TO RIDE IN THE SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER
A record number of cyclists are expected to take part in the next Mutual Community Challenge Tour, the official public ride of the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under.
Tourism Minister John Rau today announced details of the ride, part of the Škoda Breakaway Series, which will take place from Norwood to Strathalbyn on Friday 21 January, 2011.
"The Mutual Community Challenge Tour is an excellent way for people to be part of the Santos Tour Down Under and ride the same UCI ProTour route, on the same day, as some of the world's greatest cyclists," he said.
For the very first time, the Mutual Community Challenge Tour will have four distance options ranging from the full 135km route starting in Norwood to a "short" 35km ride from Macclesfield to Strathalbyn.
"The addition of a 62km option presents another opportunity for cyclists to challenge themselves in this unique event."
Registrations for the Mutual Community Challenge Tour opened today, and people registering before 31 July will receive an earlybird discount.
The ride options and prices for the 2011 Mutual Community Challenge Tour are as follows:
| START - FINISH | DISTANCE (KM) | EARLY BIRD PRICE (8 June - 31 July) |
REGULAR / MEMBERS PRICE (1 August - 7 January) |
| Norwood - Strathalbyn | 135km | $130 | $145 / $135 |
| Gumeracha - Strathalbyn | 91km | $130 | $145 / $135 |
| Balhannah - Strathalbyn | 62km | $100 | $120 / $110 |
| Macclesfield - Strathalbyn | 35km | $80 | $100 / $90 |
*135km includes Santos Tour Down Under stage distance of 124km plus 11km race neutral distance.
"In January, a record-breaking 8,099 people took part in the Mutual Community Challenge Tour, with 30% of these riders travelling to South Australian from interstate and overseas," Mr Rau said.
Mutual Community's General Manager, Eric Granger, said the iconic event was a natural fit given the company's longstanding commitment to encourage active and healthy lifestyles, principally through cycling activities, such as HBA Around The Bay In A Day and National Ride to Work Day.
"The Mutual Community Challenge Tour provides the perfect opportunity to promote the importance of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives," Mr Granger said.
"One of the most important elements of the event is that it encourages cyclists of all abilities to train for and participate in the event, and we hope this increased activity will become a part of their everyday lives."
"We are proud of our continued support for both the cycling and the South Australian community and we encourage everyone to get involved; from riding the course to being a spectator at the country's premiere cycling event," he said.
Mutual Community Challenge Tour riders are being encouraged to Unite in the Fight and register to raise money for Cancer Council SA.
The earlybird registration offer closes on 31 July 2010 and individual entries at the regular price are available until Friday 7 January 2011.
To register for the Mutual Community Challenge Tour visit www.tourdownunder.com.au or contact the South Australian Visitor & Travel Centre on 1300 674 630 (+61 8 8303 2220 for international callers).
The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 16-23 January 2011.
