South Australian government eyes 'Cadel Evans' factor to boost tourism numbers at TDU

ORGANISERS are expecting the "Cadel Evans" factor to boost crowd numbers at this year's Tour Down Under.

ORGANISERS are expecting the "Cadel Evans" factor to boost crowd numbers at this year's Tour Down Under.

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said he expected visitor numbers to "eclipse" last year's 40,000 figure thanks to the presence of 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans.

It is the first time Evans will ride in the TDU since his French win.

"Lance (Armstrong) took it to another level and we've kept it there," Mr Bignell said.

"This will be the big opportunity, the first time people will get to see him in an international stage race.

"We think we'll do a lot better than 40,000, pretty much on the back of Cadel."

Mr Bignell said many visitors were choosing to stay in regions the cyclists would pass through, such as McLaren Vale.

"A lot of people are basing themselves down there," he said.

"It's pretty hard to get a room (in Adelaide) during the Tour Down Under.

"If you're a big rider ... Willunga Hill is a great challenge."