Dutch rider Koen de Kort finds two true loves of his life at Tour Down Under in Adelaide

RECORD spending of about $50 million - including tourism costs such as accommodation and food - is expected to boost state coffers during the Tour Down Under this year.

What the cyclists eat

RECORD spending of about $50 million is expected to boost state coffers during the Tour Down Under this year.

The Minister for Tourism, Recreation and Sport, Leon Bignell, hoped the event would surpass last year’s $45.9 million record benefit to South Australia, by at least another $4 million.

Major hotels including the Hilton Adelaide and Intercontinental have reported heavy bookings. The Hilton is housing an extra 300 cycling professionals alone, calling for a full complement of catering staff to cope with a “different set” of health and dietary needs compared to normal, said the hotel’s executive chef Lloyd Cremer.

MORE: All the latest on the Tour Down Under

Mr Bignell said about 60 per cent more beds were needed at this time of year because of the TDU, which runs from Saturday until January 25.

“The Tour normally brings more than 40,000 interstate and overseas visitors into South Australia,” he said. “For this type of event, the numbers are spread over all sorts of accommodation, including B&Bs and holiday homes, so they can wash down bikes and live near the key cycling zones.”

He said last year the occupancy rate across the state’s relevant areas was 92 per cent.

He pointed to added attractions for the 2015 event including more concerts, a family fun day at Elder Park, and an extended race for women.

Pro cyclist Koen de Kort, who has been on the pro cycling circuit for 11 years, believes the well-organised TDU atmosphere is a major drawcard.

He has found a lot to love about Adelaide. The popular Dutch rider met his South Australian fiance, Kaitlin Bell, at the Tour Down Under about nine years ago. And then, there’s the food, he said.

The Giant – Alpecin team rider, 32, now lists a barbecue, a few beers, and a good Aussie pavlova as his favourite foods.

But come race time in Adelaide, he appreciates behind-the-scenes efforts at Hilton Adelaide to keep his intake much better on track.

Originally published as Dutch rider Koen de Kort finds two true loves of his life at Tour Down Under in Adelaide