Ride Like Cadel at the Bupa Challenge Tour

Cycling enthusiasts inspired by Cadel’s Evans’ triumphant win at the Tour de France have the chance to ride like the Australian champion, in next year’s Santos Tour Down Under.

Sporting fans have until 5pm, Monday, August 1, 2011, to take advantage of early-bird prices for the Bupa Challenge Tour, the recreational ride held during the Santos Tour Down Under.

The Bupa Challenge Tour will be held on Friday, 20 January 2012, along the Bupa Stage 4 route of the Santos Tour Down Under, just hours before the professionals tackle the same stage.

Next year’s event has already attracted riders from the United States, New Zealand and the United Kingdom as well as participants from around Australia.

Celebrating the 10th year of the recreational ride, thousands of participants are expected to take part in the 138km ride from the Adelaide suburb of Norwood to the town of Tanunda in the Barossa. Riders can also choose three shorter distances of 102km, 79km or 33km.

Santos Tour Down Under, Race Director, Mike Turtur, is confident “Australia’s first Tour de France winner will inspire a new wave of cycling enthusiasts and encourage those who are thinking about registering for the ride to do so now”.

“There is no better time than now to get on your bike,” he said.

“This is our time as a cycling nation to show just what participation and pedal power can do.”

Riders who complete the full 138km distance can choose to take on the challenge of the Škoda King of the Mountain climbs at Smith Hill in Kersbrook and Menglers Hill in the Barossa.

The Santos Tour Down Under’s official charity partner, Cancer Council SA, is asking Bupa Challenge Tour riders to ride for a reason and honour a loved one’s battle against cancer.

 For the first time, people can donate to Cancer Council SA when they register online for the Bupa Challenge Tour.

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 15-22 January 2012. For prices – including early bird discounts – and to register for the 2012 Bupa Challenge Tour, visit www.tourdownunder.com.au or contact 08 8463 4701