Big pedal on for young and old as Bupa Challenge Tour continues to grow

THE popularity of the annual Bupa Challenge Tour continues to grow beyond SA shores, attracting many riders from interstate and overseas.

THE popularity of the annual Bupa Challenge Tour continues to grow beyond Adelaide's shores, with Friday's event attracting almost one-third of its riders from interstate or overseas.

Official figures show 2100 out of the 6602 registered cyclists who tackled the testing 154.5km route from Unley to Victor Harbor came from outside the state, showcasing the city to the rest of Australia and the world.

Five hours before the Tour Down Under's fourth stage started, almost 4500 riders of all shapes and sizes descended on King William Rd in near darkness for the start of the long trek south.

Another 2000 riders joined the recreational event at three other starting points along the ride - Meadows (112.5km), Mt Compass (75.5km) and Yankalilla (33km) - offering people the opportunity to take a shorter route home.

Jacinta O'Neill, 32, from Victoria, made a last-minute decision to fly to Adelaide for her first challenge ride and couldn't believe how much she enjoyed it.

"It was sensational, it's my first ride in six years, it was just a spontaneous, spur of the moment thing," she said.

Ciaran Carroll, of Dublin, Ireland, Tom Carson and Neil Whillans, both of Brisbane, cool the legs off. Picture: Mike Burton.

"It was just the best, there's no way the Tour should be moved away from here, it should definitely stay."

Ciaran Carroll, 30, from Dublin, Tom Carson, 45, and Neil Whillans, 42, both from Brisbane, cooled off in the sea following the gruelling 150km ride.

After watching the professionals up close for the previous five days, the trio said the event was a "rare opportunity" to emulate their heroes on the road.

"We've ridden all over the world and you don't get many chances to ride on the actual course before the tour riders," said Mr Whillans, who was taking part in his fifth Bupa Challenge.

"The route was so scenic, it's a brilliant ride, we always love riding in Adelaide."

More than 6500 riders took part in the BUPA Challenge Tour's run to Victor Harbor. Picture: Mi...

Like a swarm of yellow and blue locusts, the riders swept out of Unley at 6.30am, and as they added the kilometres to their legs, they quickly spread far and wide.

Some of the less serious cyclists chose to stop off for a well-earned rest at various places along the route, with Mt Compass's cafe and bakery a popular spot for a coffee and a pastry.

Others who were intent on setting a cracking pace kept going, only pausing briefly to refill water bottles before hopping back on the bike.

By the time they arrived in Victor, there were plenty of red, weary faces and heaving chests, while everyone appreciated the water mister which greeted them at the finish line.

Premier Jay Weatherill was among the throng at the start, but he only completed half the course himself, leaving from Mt Compass with Governor Kevin Scarce later in the morning.

"It's great fun, it's just great to be part of this event," Mr Weatherill said, describing his fitness as only "fair to middling".

Governor Scarce lamented his sore body after crossing the finish line about 11am, half an hour after the Premier.

"I feel very tired, it felt like 150km. I needed a motorised cart," he laughed.

"But it's a great day for it and it's a great cause."

South Australian V8 Supercar drivers Tim Slade and Nick Percat started the ride together but Slade pulled away to secure some early Clipsal 500 bragging rights.

"I had to leave him behind and do my own thing," Slade said with a smile.

"I did it faster than I thought, it was a quick ride, I feel pretty good now. We do a lot of training on the bike, it's the perfect preparation for Clipsal."

Later in the day, there was a carnival atmosphere at Victor Harbor as fans and many of the Bupa Challenge cyclists stayed on to watch German Andre Greipel win the fifth stage in a bunched sprint finish.

About 115,000 people lined the stage's 148km route, with most pleased to see Aussies Cadel Evans and Simon Gerrans maintain their one-two position in the overall classification.

Saturday's 151km fifth stage begins at McLaren Vale at 11.10am and finish at Willunga Hill at about 3pm.