Three women arrested during Tour Down Under protest

Police have arrested climate activists who bared their breasts while protesting against a major gas company during a big cycling event.

Three climate protesters who allegedly exposed their breasts while cyclists rode past in the Tour Down Under in Adelaide’s south have been arrested.

A SA Police spokeswoman told NCA NewsWire that officers were patrolling the Tour Down Under about 12.30pm on Sunday when they were alerted to a group of people on Main South Rd at Noarlunga Downs allegedly exposing themselves.

Three women were arrested, a 69-year-old from McLaren Vale, a 70-year-old from Port Willunga and a 74-year-old from Aldinga, and charged with indecent behaviour.

Three women were arrested after protesting during the Tour Down Under in South Australia. Picture: Extinction Rebellion

Images published by climate activist group Extinction Rebellion show women exposing their breasts while standing with other protesters during the popular road race.

The group were calling for the Tour Down Under to dump its major sponsor, Santos.

Cyclists got more than they bargained for. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

“We are baring our ageing breasts and our wobbly bums in the hope of shocking,” one protester said.

“Polite pleas and submissions have not been enough.

“We want people to see that this company is not benevolent. It is prepared to destroy future life on earth in order to make profits.”

A SA Police spokeswoman told NCA NewsWire that the three women were bailed and set to appear before Christies Beach Magistrates court at a later date.

Tour Down Under makes its return after being cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions in 2020.

The first stage of the women’s event was held on Sunday.

Originally published as Three women arrested during Tour Down Under protest