Mike Turtur and Alex Porter urge cycling fans to get behind the inaugural Track Down Under on Friday night

Tour Down Under organiser Mike Turtur has a long love affair with the velodrome. So it’s no surprise the Olympic gold medallist and protege Alex Porter are keen to showcase some of the world’s best track riders at the inaugural Track Down Under on Friday.

Olympic champion Mike Turtur and world champion Alex Porter at the Adelaide SuperDome ahead of Friday night's The Advertiser Track Down Under event. Picture: Bianca De Marchi.

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Mike Turtur knows full well the burning sensation the starter in a 4km team pursuit gets in his legs when he jumps out of the gate.

Turtur was the man who launched Australia’s team pursuit to a historic Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles in 1984 and 35 years later hasn’t forgotten what it felt like.

“It’s probably the most difficult position because as the starter because you get exposed from the word go, there is no time to settle,” he said.

“The others — second, third and fourth wheel — have a bit of time and protection but the starter has a big responsibility to set the pace and get the team up and going.

“Not many riders can do it and we tried many riders in my time.”

So it’s with a sense of pride that Turtur now sits back and watches another South Australian Alex Porter spearhead Australia’s team pursuit towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the world record holders.

“I’ve seen Alex ride the team pursuit and break the world record, it was phenomenal,” Turtur said.

“To ride sub 3:50 (3mins 50secs) crikey, I know how difficult that is, it’s a superb effort.”

Porter won’t be racing at The Advertiser Track Down Under on Friday night as he continues his recovery from a broken collarbone, but the rest of the team pursuit will.

The inaugural track event which forms an official part of the TDU program will feature Australia’s top sprinters and endurance riders, as well as international stars Elia Viviani — the reigning Olympic omnium champion — and Michael Morkov.

“I think it’s going to be well received, ticket sales are going well and it’s a bonus to have Viviani and Morkov racing as well,” Turtur said.

“We’ve had ticket sales from New Zealand and all over the country, so as an associated event at the same time as the Tour it works really well.

“People who might have been coming for just the two Tours might come a bit earlier and take in the track event as well.”

Porter has been cleared to ride on the road and will be back on the track next week.

“At the moment it’s a combination of some easy k’s on the road and ergo,” he said.

“I hope to get back on the track next week and I’m confident I’ll be ready to go for worlds (world championships).

“I’ll still definitely be there on Friday night, it should be a wicked night. It’s good to get some more exposure for track cycling, some of the best riders in the world are in Adelaide so it’s good to showcase them.”

Tickets are available at the SuperDrome and doors open at 6pm. The night will also include Anna Meares presenting the Gary West Medal to the top male and female sprinters.

“We just want a fun night and showcase Australia’s best track riders male and female, and to honour Matthew Glaetzer as the world sprint champion before he leaves Australia to defend it,” Turtur said.

“We built this as the start of the countdown to Tokyo and if it goes well want to make it bigger and better next year.”

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