Towns celebrated as Santos Tour Down Under rolls through the Hills
Santos Tour Down Under is done for another year and we’d like to thank our community for your support during this event. The return of the UCI World Tour event saw the best of the women’s and men’s elite athletes kick off their season and showcased our wonderful State!
It was wonderful see Lobethal, Uraidla, and Summertown take out Best Dress Town awards throughout the week. The towns came alive with decorations and plenty of good cheer!
On Monday 16 January, the starting gun rang in Birdwood at the iconic National Motor Museum grounds for the Singapore Airlines Women's Stage 2 before riders travelled through Williamstown, Gumeracha, Lobethal and Forest Range, and finished in Uraidla.
Australian rider, Alexandra Manly, from Team Jayco Alula took out the win in 5h26'20''.
The Uraidla township was buzzing with spectators, cyclists and locals enjoying the sunshine.
With a theme of sunflowers and bees representing community connection, hope and happiness, the Uraidla and Summertown townships were crowned the daily best dressed town!
The following day saw the women climb a grueling 1773m, including one of Adelaide’s toughest and iconic ascents – Corkscrew Road. The Let's Go Motorhomes Women's Stage 3 winner was another Aussie, Grace Brown of FOJ- Suez.
It was Lobethal's day to shine in the Santos Best Dressed Town competition. The town did a great job as a community, coordinating along the street to ensure that there was colour and excitement. Some environmental initiatives included old bicycles turned into decorations and handmade tassels and signs.
On Friday 20 January the Hahn Men's Stage 3 took off in Norwood and tackled three of Adelaide’s toughest ascents, navigating Norton Summit, Checkers Hill and Corkscrew Road before finishing in Campbelltown.
Congratulations to stage winner, Pello Bilbao from Team Bahrain Victorious!
Once again, Lobethal was named the Best Dressed Town for the day.
Amateur riders also took to the roads in the Challenge Tour, attempting to conquer the same route as the professionals.
The final day of racing featured the formidable Mount Lofty on Sunday 22 January for the Schwalbe Men's Stage 5.
Riders left from Unley and travelled up the old freeway, with the end of race neutral at the notorious Devil’s Elbow.
Next up the peloton rode four passes of 25-kilometre loop of Summertown, Uraidla, Carey Gully, Bridgewater, Aldgate, Stirling and Crafers.
Spectators enjoyed seeing the townships come alive with perfect weather, hospitality, roving entertainment and family friendly activities.
Congratulations to Stage winner, Simon Yates, and overall Championship winner, Jay Vine!
With plenty of community spirit, bike themed decorations, as well as a united display of sunflowers and bees, Uraidla was again named the daily Best Dressed Town.
Stay tuned via our website and social media channels to find out who has been named the overall winner in the TDU Best Dressed Town competition!
You can view the full results on the TDU website.
