Classic start for the 2016 Tour Down Under

AND so, it begins ... The 2016 Santos Tour Down Under gets off to a short and sweet start with the People’s Choice Classic through city streets.

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AND so, it begins ... The 2016 Santos Tour Down Under gets off to a short and sweet start with the People’s Choice Classic through city streets.

One for the fast guys and while it has no bearing on the TDU itself, it’s the first chance teams and riders have to steal the show on the WorldTour. If form is anything to go by, Orica-GreenEDGE young gun Caleb Ewan will be the man to beat.

The riders head off on a 51km closed-circuit road race from 7.15pm in the event’s prologue.

It will take the field about an hour to complete 30 laps of a 1.7km circuit which takes in East Tce, Bartels Rd, Dequetteville Tce and Rundle Rd.

MORE: People’s Choice Classic map

But the action isn’t all about elite cyclists. Or about bike riders at all.

There’s the chance to take part in the People’s Choice Undies Run — with participants running or walking the circuit to raise awareness and funds for bowel cancer screening.

Before the race, families will take to the circuit in the Bupa Family Ride.

Audiences will also be treated to Stage 2 of the Santos Women’s Tour.

Originally published as Classic start for the 2016 Tour Down Under