Barossa Valley businesses have been dealt a blow with the cancellation of the 2021 Tour Down Under
The Barossa Valley has hosted stages of the Tour Down Under since its inception, and with its cancellation, local businesses have been hit.
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Barossa Valley businesses are expected to cop another COVID-19 caused hit following the cancellation of the 2021 Tour Down Under.
Barossa Mayor Bim Lange said while it was very hard to quantify how much money was brought in exactly, businesses have said they bring in plenty when the Tour is in town.
“Business we’ve spoken to have said it’s one of their biggest events of the year as far as the township,” he said.
“Some of their takings for the day is some of the biggest they have for the whole year.”
However, Mr Lange said he understood the decision to cancel the event in the current times.
“In many regards, the Barossa Council has always been involved in the Tour Down Under since its inception,” he said.
“We’ve always been a supporter of the event and can fully understand under the current COVID situations, the announcement, while we’re disappointed.
“We’ll continue to look at any potential new opportunities to invest in events and support positive outcomes for the Barossa community.
“Our recovery plan includes dedicated funding to any new events, and we’ll remain open to any event opportunities that many pop up.
“Any new proposals that support economic, social and community outcomes in the Barossa, we’ll be open in those discussions.
The Tour Down Under was due to be the first for Stuart O’Grady as race director, and Mr Lange said he felt for the cycling legend.
“I’m disappointed for Stuart O’Grady, a close personal friend, the first year as race director to deal with a global pandemic,” he said.
Originally published as Barossa Valley businesses have been dealt a blow with the cancellation of the 2021 Tour Down Under