JCTDU wins at Australian Sport Awards

The Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under was crowned Australian Sport Tourism Award of the year at the Australian Sport Industry Awards in Sydney ahead of the Australian Open Tennis and Gold Coast Airport Marathon this week.

Australian Major Events general manager Leeanne Grantham accepted the award, saying, "National interest in the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under continues to grow from year to year, with the 2006 event attracting 495,000 spectators and more than 11,670 international and interstate visitors who came to South Australia specifically to attend the event. This award represents the next significant phase in the event's growth and stamps further authority on its reputation as a sports tourism icon.

"We want to build on this success and next January, we hope there will be even more support with an increased number of recreational and community events allowing more amateur cyclists and enthusiasts to participate in this world class event."

The race is now entering its ninth year, and continues to attract top European and Australian teams and riders. The 2006 event provided an economic benefit to the State of at least $13.2 million, the equivalent of 203 full-time jobs, as well as media exposure valued in excess of $15 million.

More information: www.tourdownunder.com.au