2021 Tour Down Under race director Stuart O’Grady says ‘never count anything out’, as KI mayor urges island’s first taste of event
Kangaroo Island has never had the Tour Down Under. The local mayor says it would be great for morale and tourism. The man in charge of the event says: “You can never count anything out”.
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Taking the Tour Down Under to Kangaroo Island for the first time next year would give residents a much-needed morale boost and tell global tourists the region is open for business, Mayor Michael Pengilly says.
The State Government and incoming race director Stuart O’Grady say the idea could be considered, but significant logistical hurdles would have to be overcome. They include getting teams and infrastructure to the island, as well as providing adequate accommodation following the loss of major tourism assets in the bushfires.
Mr Pengilly said his community would embrace any opportunity to be part of the race.
“I think it would be wonderful – if we could do it,” he said. “The logistics of it would be difficult, and take a huge amount of work.
“It would send an enormous message out and give the ability for people everywhere around the world to see the scenery of the island.
“It would be good for the community and tourism sector. I’d welcome it with open arms.”
About 10,000 fans lined the roads in the Adelaide Hills on Thursday to cheer on riders for the first stage of the women’s Tour Down Under, and the men will compete in the bushfire-ravaged region this week.
Olympics gold medallist and former Tour de France rider O’Grady said the idea of a KI leg had appeal.
“It’s always a possibility, for sure. You can never count anything out, especially after what’s happened,” he said.
“It’s something that has been looked at in the past and something that I will definitely look at in the future.
“If there’s a way to do it, and do it efficiently, then hopefully we can do it one day.”
Mr O’Grady said the TDU was “a big circus to move”, and race regulations also required teams be able to get back to their hotels rapidly if needed.
“The accommodation is one of the biggest (challenges) that comes to the top of my mind,” he said.
“It’s a massive event, and there is a lot of infrastructure. It’s not just parking on the side of the road and having a race.”
A State Government spokeswoman said: “We understand that the idea has been investigated by the Santos Tour Down Under previously, but it didn’t proceed due to the logistical challenges.
“It may be something that is considered following the 2020 event.”
This year’s TDU is fundraising for communities and people affected by the Cudlee Creek and KI bushfires.
Gold coin entry to team presentations and donation of the full prizemoney from the Schwalbe Classic at the weekend come in addition to support from major sponsor Santos.
Originally published as 2021 Tour Down Under race director Stuart O’Grady says ‘never count anything out’, as KI mayor urges island’s first taste of event