Tour de France champ Chris Froome touches down in Adelaide for 2022 Tour Down Under

A name synonymous with the sport of cycling has arrived in Adelaide in the biggest coup for the Tour Down Under since disgraced American Lance Armstrong competed.

A four-time Tour de France champion- and the biggest name in cycling to contest the Santos Tour Down Under since disgraced American rider Lance Armstrong – has touched down in Adelaide.

Chris Froome arrived on Wednesday ahead of today’s official opening as tour organisers prepare to showcase South Australia to the world.

It’s the first time that the 37-year-old British-Kenyan cyclist – who went on to win four gold jersey’s in the world’s biggest race – will compete in the event since 2010.

He joins over 200 men and women riders who will burn around the 1.35km circuit through the streets of Adelaide in the opening event on Saturday.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said excitement had been building for the 23rd edition of the race, which returns after a two year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Santos Tour Down Under is a much-loved event on the world cycling and Australian sporting calendar,” she said.

“It is an important social and economic driver for South Australia, attracting 44,000 visitors to South Australia, injecting more than $66 million into the economy and creating 742 FTE jobs when last held in 2020.”

Chris Froome of Great Britain and Team Sky celebrates in the yellow jersey following stage twenty of Le Tour de France in 2017. Picture: Chris Graythen

Australian Hotels Association SA CEO Ian Horne said the return of the race was a huge “shot in the arm” for hospitality.

“To think this time 12 months ago we were lost in the wilderness with just 25 per cent seated capacity at venues and to be where we are now with the city alive with activity is fantastic,” he said.

“It’s effectively a free event for the public, but the flow on effect for businesses is significant.”

He said hotels and restaurants were already benefiting from the arrival of riders and support staff.

SA Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison Picture: Russell Millard

“It’s an international event, it attracts high value visitors, but not only that it gives the rest of the world a chance to have a look at South Australia,” he said.

With each men’s and women’s stage extending beyond Adelaide, Mr Horne said the regions were set to reap the rewards.

“Whether it’s people buying a soft drink, bottle of wine or a souvenir – businesses will get a shot in the arm,” he said.

Business and Tourism Aldinga chair Gabrielle Enright said they were excited to welcome riders and fans to their “picturesque” coastal town.

“It’s a great opportunity to have this kind of exposure and it’s a chance for businesses to come together in the spirit of community,” she said.

The first stage of the women’s race will finish in Aldinga this Sunday, before the men contest the fourth stage on January 21, which passes through the town three times.

“There are some great vantage points to watch the riders and then sample the best of what is in Aldinga and surrounds while you wait for them to pass through again,” she said.