First Tour record smashed

The first new record of the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under has been cemented, with the largest ever field to line up for the Mutual Community Challenge Tour.

At close of registrations, preliminary figures show 8030 cyclists will take part in this year’s event on Friday 22 January.

“We’ve had phenomenal growth in the popularity of this event in recent years,” Premier Mike Rann says.

“Lance Armstrong’s comeback at last year’s Tour drew a huge field for the recreational ride, with 7127 recreational cyclists taking part.

“That compared to 3404 participants in 2008 and 2696 in 2007.

“It’s terrific that we’re not only winning people back year on year but are also attracting additional cyclists to take part for the first time.

“We’ve also recorded a significant increase in participants from interstate this year," Mr Rann says.

“2307 people will travel from other States and Territories of Australia to be part of the action, compared to 1876 last year.

“A further 98 cyclists are travelling from overseas, including New Zealand, the United States and United Kingdom, to ride the Mutual Community Challenge Tour.

“This will be the biggest sea of lycra in the State’s history.”

The Santos Tour Down Under is on from Sunday 17 January to Sunday 24 January.

For more information visit http://tourdownunder.com.au.