South Australians have been given a few extra days to sign up for the Tour Down Under’s Škoda Breakaway Series, after a record breaking late surge of entries. Organisers have extended the deadline to 5 PM Monday, January 14, 2008, with entries for one of the series’ events - the Mutual Community Challenge Tour - already reaching record levels. More than 3200 people have signed up to ride the same route as the professionals from Mannum to Strathalbyn on Friday, January 25, over 500 more than the previous record.
Organisers have set another record with more than 3860 people signing up for the whole Škoda Breakaway Series, which also includes the Mutual Community Fun Tour the Mini Tour for Kids. "This is an historic year for our Tour Down Under and we want to make sure that South Australians don’t miss out on the chance to take part," Premier Mike Rann says.
“Our race is joining the elite UCI ProTour circuit and it has brought with it new levels of interest, not just among cycling enthusiasts, but all South Australians," he added. “This is a chance for people to be part of history as either a spectator at the official races or as a participant through the Škoda Breakaway Series.
The Škoda Breakaway Series has an event for all levels of fitness and abilities - from the first time rider and children on training wheels to serious regular cyclists. Events are:
1 - The Mutual Community Challenge Tour presented by The Advertiser (25 January) where cyclists can ride the same 134km stage four route as the world’s top cyclists - from the river town of Mannum through the Adelaide Hills to Strathalbyn. A 73.5km route is also available.
2 - The Mutual Community Fun Tour presented by The Advertiser (20 January) where anyone who can ride a bike can cycle 12km from the city to Glenelg, finishing with a lap around the Down Under Classic course.
3 - The Mini Tour for Kids presented by UniSA (20 January) when children aged 8 to 14 years can ride a hot-dog loop that includes the finish arch of the Down Under Classic at Glenelg. Family fun entertainment will be provided at Colley Reserve.
To register for the Škoda Breakaway Series visit www.tourdownunder.com.au.
