The South Australian Tourism Commission and AusCycling today announced Adelaide will host a round of the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup in 2024 as part of the Santos Tour Down Under’s festival of events.
The international event will see more than 300 of the world’s best para-cycling athletes – along with 200 support staff – converge on Adelaide to take part in next year’s World Cup from January 13-17.
It is the first time the Para-cycling Road World Cup event has been held in South Australia, with Sydney the last Australian host city in 2011.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said South Australia has once again proven itself as the premier cycling destination in Australia.
“We are committed to inclusion and diversity in the sports that we host here in South Australia and are proud to support another international high calibre cycling event alongside the Santos Tour Down Under,” Minister Bettison said.
“The Para-cycling Road World Cup will offer an exciting opportunity for local cycling fans and visitors to our state to see the world’s best in action and inspire more people to get involved in sport and experience the many benefits participation brings.”
Fans will have their first chance to watch para-cycling athletes compete on Saturday 13 January in Adelaide’s city centre, as they take part in the team relay event on the same criterium circuit as the men’s Down Under Classic race later that evening.
The 1.35km city track around the Adelaide’s CBD, adjacent to the City of Adelaide Tour Village in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, will launch competition before the event moves to The Bend Motorsport Park near Tailem Bend for both time trials and road races.
AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner said the integration of this competition into the Santos Tour Down Under was a great fit.
“Australia is the centre of world cycling in January, so it’s exciting to be hosting the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup in Adelaide, on home soil for the first time in 13 years,” Ms Fechner said.
“This event will showcase and celebrate how inclusive the sport of cycling is, and how riding a bike can transform lives. It will also be a crucial event for Australia’s world-class para-cyclists as they prepare for next year’s Paralympic Games.”
Paralympic champion cyclist Darren Hicks said he was excited to ride in front of his home crowds in South Australia.
“I’ve had the privilege of competing all around the world, but racing a UCI World Cup just an hour away from home instead of taking three flights and 30 hours of travel is a real treat. Plus, getting to show off what Adelaide and Australia have to offer to the para-cycling world will be very special.
“I’m looking forward to soaking in the support of the Australian crowds and taking part in the wider Santos Tour Down Under festival.”
The Adelaide round of the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup will be one of three rounds of competition in 2024 that will play a vital role for riders to qualify for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
The full Santos Tour Down Under festival program of events will be announced next week on the 1 November.
The Santos Tour Down Under is taking place in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 12-21 January 2024. It will feature nine days of elite racing for men and women.
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