Ten thousand fans turn out in Adelaide Hills to cheer on Women’s Tour Down Under 2020

As hundreds of riders left Hahndorf on Thursday, thousands turned out to watch them – cycling fans, CFS volunteers, kangaroos and pirates.

• French team’s mad preparation rush
• More TDU news

Thousands of enthusiastic cycling fans lined the roads in the Hills on Thursday to cheer on elite riders for the first stage of the women’s Tour Down Under.

Event executive director Hitaf Rasheed said the 10,000-strong crowd that watched the 116km leg from Hahndorf to Macclesfield brought great energy with them.

The first stage begins on the main street of Hahndorf. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“Hahndorf in particular was beautifully dressed for the start of the historic first-ever pro series race,” Mr Rasheed said. 

“Today set the scene for a great week, with a terrific win from Chloe Hosking.” 

The peloton rides past vineyards in the hills. Picture: Tim de Waele/Getty Images

Chris Hoffman, along with fellow CFS volunteers Terry Hall, Ian Benjamin and Greg Liddle attended the race for much needed respite after battling devastating bushfires across the state over the past weeks.

Mr Hoffman, who is also a police officer, spent last week fighting fires on Kangaroo Island.

“Some respite has been good, to sort of recoup and let the dust settle for a while,” Mr Hoffman said.

Nicole Frain of Australia and Team UniSA-Australia was involved in a crash. Picture: Tim de Waele/Getty Images

He said he encouraged volunteers to attend the TDU event if possible and meet the community, because there is still a long fire season ahead.

Mr Hoffmann will next Friday ride in the Westpac Challenge Tour, travelling 162km from Norwood to Mannum.

Hahndorf CFS volunteers Terry Hall, Ian Benjamin, Greg Liddle and Chris Hoffman. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Ann Pashley, from the Native Animal Network, also enjoyed the event after working tirelessly in the wake of recent fires.

“It was a light relief for us because the last week has been horrific,” Ms Pashley said.

Ann Pashley from the Native Animal Network with joey Rudolf and Amanda Spratt before the start of the race at Hahndorf. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

The NAN team put smiles on international riders’ faces, offering road crash victim roos Casper and Rudolf for cuddles.

“It’s lovely to see the happy faces holding a kangaroo, probably for the first time in their life.”

Riders Grace Brown and Jessica Allen meet a rescued kangaroo. Picture: Getty Images

Tamara Lee comes all the way from New South Wales every year to watch the race with her best friend’s daughter, Claudia John, 14, from Croydon.

“We’re so happy the women’s race is four days, we love it.”

The second stage of the women’s four day event will kick off at 10am Friday from Murray Bridge.

Captain Michael Pinchbeck on his tandem s̶h̶i̶p̶ bike. Picture: Tricia Watkinson