Santos Tour Down Under helps power SA bushfire zone's long road to recovery

Cyclists and tour organisers have urged spectators to flock to the Tour Down Under's first stage in the Barossa to support the fire-hit community.

Sarah Barret with daughter Georgie, 2, gets Angaston ready for the first stage of the Tour Down Under. Picture: Naomi Jellico...

Cyclists

and tour organisers have urged spectators to flock to the Tour Down Under's first stage in the Barossa to support a community fighting back from a weekend of devastating bushfires.

The stage from Nuriootpa to Angaston will go ahead as planned from 11am after the Country Fire Service declared the race route safe in the wake of the Eden Valley fire, which destroyed seven homes and burnt more than 25,000 hectares.

Aussie star Simon Gerrans yesterday said a cycling race seemed insignificant compared with the fires but cyclists were relieved that residents of the Barossa were now safe.

"Now that they're under control, everyone is really looking forward to the first stage and everyone should get out and support that community, even more so now because of what they've been through," he said.

More: All your Tour Down Under info: routes, stages, latest news

German sprinter Marcel Kittel said he agreed with race director Mike Turtur and Tourism Minister Leon Bignell that the race could be a boost for the region's economy.

"The race brings a boost for the local economy and it's the same for the Barossa Valley and other stages, when the race comes there spectators will sit and have coffee and bring money there," he said.

The first stage is expected to attract tens of thousands of spectators but Mr Turtur said consideration for the race always came second to the welfare of the community.

"Our first thoughts are with the people affected by this fire," Turtur said.

"We feel deeply for the people who have had property loss and damage and also the organisations that have been on the ground fighting this fire, I take my hat off to all of them.

More: Register set up for farmers hit by bushfires

"The concern of the riders about racing in the region that's been affected by this, they were a bit concerned it might be taken the wrong way but we've assured them this is the best thing we can do - bring activity into the region and economic benefit.

"They feel a lot more comfortable about that of course, it's hopefully going to be a good day and in our own way we can help out.

"This is a community event, it embraces the community and everyone bands together and has a great day."

Mr Turtur, who was confident the air quality would be clear for riders, said he expected the stage to help band the community together.

Tuesday's event follows round two of the Santos Women's Cup when Amanda Spratt won a road race at Angaston.

Mr Bignell said he was "delighted" the race was going ahead.

"We always had to err on the side of caution and I think the public of South Australia have been terrific, that we've had this out there for the past couple of days, that we may have had to cancel (the stage)," Mr Bignell said.

"It was best to be open with people and include them in the discussions and I also want to thank the great CFS volunteers who have done a fantastic job fighting these fires."

"Now I'd encourage all South Australians to get up there, watch the race and the most important thing you can do for people who have had a pretty rough run for the past week is to support their local economy and spend money at their shops and restaurants."

TDU officials also have procedures in place if conditions worsen or the fire poses any threat to the event.