Tour Down Under race director Mike Turtur officially signs off after more than two decades in charge

Having spent more than two decades building up the Tour Down Under to the international event it is today, departing race director Mike Turtur gave an official farewell on Saturday night before handing over the reins.

Pre-race TDU press conference. Mike Turtur. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

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Mike Turtur signed off from his 22nd and final Santos Tour Down Under last night feeling every emotion you would expect, but with an overwhelming sense of pride.

Turtur, a 1984 Olympic gold medallist on the track, was the brainchild of the TDU when it started in 1999 and built it into an international force and what two-time winner Richie Porte on Sunday declared “the best race of the year”.

But after more than two decades as race director, Turtur has now passed the baton to fellow South Australian and Olympic gold medallist Stuart O’Grady, who will be in charge of the 2021 event.

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Outgoing race director Mike Turtur, left, and his successor Stuart O’Grady pictured watching the 2020 Tour Down Under. Picture: Sarah Reed

Turtur will remain involved in an advisory role to ensure a smooth handover, but right now his immediate thoughts are on going fishing at Moonta this week.

“During the week when we were going through some of my favourite spots, just looking around and seeing the crowds and the support we’ve had was amazing,” he said.

“And again (on Sunday) at Willunga, the crowds we had were phenomenal and it made me really proud.

“We had a terrific week, the weather was on our side for once in a long time and all in all it was just a super competitive race.

“We’ve seen some new guys poke their noses up, the older guys like Richie are still hanging around and I thought he rode a brilliant race.

“Caleb Ewan won two stages and the Classic, and we had Daryl Impey going for three in a row, he laid it all on the line and the final climb just got to him.”

HOW THE TDU UNFOLDED

Impey takes lead, as Nizzolo wins stage

Ewan wins again, but Porte retains ochre jersey

Porte conquers the battle for Paracombe

Ew-beauty! Aussie Caleb victorious at Stirling

Luck of the Irish as Bennett wins Stage 1

Hungry Ewan wakes from hibernation in style

Mike Turtur at the pre-race press conference. Picture: Tim de Waele/Getty Images

Turtur got to say an official goodbye to the TDU faithful at the Legend’s Night dinner on Saturday when he was interviewed by Phil Liggett on stage.

“That was good, Phil and I go back to 1990 when I first met him at the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand and he’s had a big influence on the race,” Turtur said.

“He’ll line up for his 23rd I suspect next year and I’ll be around having a look and a laugh.

“It is overwhelming, but I’ve worked with so many people it would be impossible to name everyone.

“Family means so much to me and I’m very grateful for their support, and Marilisa Pappalardi and Nicole Bannan in Europe have been huge.

“And I have also thought about Terry Roberts who we lost a couple of years back, he contributed 20 years to the race and our relationship with SAPOL, so you think of all those things.”

Mike Turtur is handing over the TDU race director reins to Stuart O'Grady. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Rather than let his hair down last night, Turtur said he was planning quiet one.

“Just chill out and relax, it’s been a big week,” he said.

Next year’s race route will be O’Grady’s to choose and amid suggestions for the race to go to Kangaroo Island and assist with its bushfire recovery, Turtur said it was not impossible.

“I’ll advise and assist Stuey as best I can over the next period and he’ll get to work, I know he’s got some ideas and come up with some firmer plans and (will) present that to the group,” Turtur said.

“I don’t think you can rule anything in or out, it (Kangaroo Island) is the type of thing you’ve got to work through the pros and cons and logistics, what can work and what can’t.

“There’s a heap of things that need to be considered before making a decision.”

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Originally published as Tour Down Under race director Mike Turtur officially signs off after more than two decades in charge