Valtteri Bottas has kicked off the RADL GRVL – by riding from the CBD to Henley Beach in budgie smugglers

Valtteri Bottas kicked off the inaugural RADL GRVL event, leading the cycling pack in an iconic piece of Australian swimwear.

Formula 1 Driver Valtteri Bottas leading the pack in the inuagral RADL GRVL – as part of the Tour Down Under. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

It was a group ride the likes of which Adelaide has never seen before.

F1 superstar Valtteri Bottas led dozens of cyclists from the CBD towards Henley Beach and back … in nothing but budgie smugglers.

To kick off the first ever RADL GRVL, the Finnish superstar and his girlfriend – professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell – led the group of cyclists decked out in the iconic piece of swimwear for the ‘Budgy Smuggler’ shake-out ride covering just over 26km.

Bottas said he hoped it would add something different to the festival of cycling that is January in Adelaide.

“I love the vibe, there is a good atmosphere and everyone is here for the same passion, which is cycling,” he said.

“I try to not take yourself too seriously and have some fun, and part of GRVL fun is a big thing.”

Formula 1 Driver Valtteri Bottas prepares to lead the RADL GRVL riding in Budgie Smugglers as part of the Tour Down Under. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Valtteri Bottas (right) and RADL GRVL co-owner and professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell (left) lead the RADL GRVL. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Participants rode from the CBD to Henley Beach as part of the event. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

While temperatures weren’t as high as some might have wanted, many got down to their smugglers or one-piece for their ride on the bike – which is set to become an annual event as Bottas and Cromwell grow RADL GRVL in the state.

“It is going to be uncomfortable in the saddle but we are going to learn what it is like to be a triathlete,” Cromwell said.

On Friday 300 riders will take part in the main race of RADL GRVL around McLaren Vale with 108km and 72km courses and a prize purse of $10,000 on offer.

Cromwell said they were extremely pleased with the numbers for the first incarnation of the event with significant growth predicted in years to come.

“The goal is to grow it further next year and in the years beyond,” she said.

“We are aiming for 1000 plus next year because gravel (riding) is for everyone and we want to create something for the community who want to race but those who also just want to enjoy what gravel is about.”