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January is the time of year when all roads lead to
Adelaide for the Tour Down Under.
If you're a cycling aficionado and haven't been before, but are
seriously considering watching the best pro-teams do their stuff - then
don't think twice. I've been fortunate enough to see most of the
nine races in South Australia since Stuart O'Grady became a hometown
hero when he won the inaugural event in 1999.
I'll say it again - the TDU is as close to being at the Tour de France
as you'll get without being in Europe.
After all, the event has been modelled around the famous French
institution. There's the hype, the marketing, the atmosphere and the
cycling culture which South Australians have adapted and warmed to.
And if you take your bike and join an organised tour, there's even more
reason why you'll enjoy the week long cycling festival. From my
experience, Adelaide at this time of year, is the only city in Australia
where motorists genuinely respect the two-wheeled warriors.
The city's population is constantly reminded that that the TDU is in
town by way of the local media.
Newspapers are filled with stories and pictures as are the TV networks
who package items in their nightly news services. There's a constant
reminder that the TDU is on, and of the thousands of visitors who travel
to their city from all parts of Australia and the world, not to mention
the thousands of cyclists who take to the highways and bi-ways.
Adding to the great race for it's 10th anniversary will be the
apperarance of all Pro-Tour teams. What a breakthrough it is for
the TDU to be the first race outside Europe to be awarded such a status
by the UCI. Add to this will be the arrival of five-time Spanish
legend and five-times Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain who has been
invited as a special guest.
You might think that I'm being paid to sing the praises of the TDU.
Nothing can be further from the truth!
I speak from the heart, for at last we have a race in our homeland which
rivals the best in the world, and although it may be too early in the
new season for some the foreigners to perform at their peak, what makes
the race extra-special is the guarantee that Australians have the
opportunity to race and win on home soil in front of cycling-starved
supporters.
If you're in Adelaide say g'day.
As for a tip from Tomo? I'm hoping Allan Davis can put aside his
problems of the recent past and record a memorable overall victory.
Also, look out for rising Queenslander Adam Hansen.
He's built like a trojan and is my dark horse to top the GC if he gets a
lucky break.
See you at the TDU.
Michael Tomalaris
Journalist/Presenter/Producer
+61 2 9430-3043
+61 (0)414 586052
Official Live Broadcaster of:
2007/2008 UEFA Champions League
2007 Tour de France
2007 IAAF World Championships
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