On Friday 20 January we held Love Velo our pre-race event at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre from 5-9pm.

With an estimated attendance of 1000 people the event once again proved popular with both locals, interstate and overseas visitors to our city.

Jayne –Anne Power delivered an entertaining show with her vintage and edgy jazz sounds.

Special guest MC, Channel 9 personality Lisa McAskill interviewed Australian cycling legend Phil Anderson. Phil provided an intriguing insight into his cycling history and accolades.

Race highlights on the giant TV screen built anticipation for our penultimate Stage 5 race day.

Our delicious Jayco Stage 5 signature dish was created in a live cooking demonstration by d’Arry’s Verandah chef Peter Reschke (recipe available at www.onkaparingacity.com/tourdownunder)

Attendees enjoyed experiencing the local food and wine and browsing the variety of local ware stalls.

Love Velo merchandise is available for a short time for purchase at the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre or by phoning (08) 8384 0666.

Race Day

SAPol estimate 120,000 people attended Jayco Stage 5 of the Santos Tour Down Under (official attendance figures will be received by the end of February).

Spectators enjoyed the community events held in McLaren Vale, Aldinga Beach and Willunga as well as the roving entertainment and live coverage on the giant TV screens positioned along the race route.

The much anticipated first ever hill top finish on Old Willunga Hill was hugely popular changing the dynamics of the race and adding a new dimension.
GreenEDGE, the first Australian registered team to race the WorldTour, battled it out in a nail biting finish.

Congratulations to the following townships that participated in the Santos Dressed Town Competition and were awarded the following:

• Aldinga Beach for the innovation award (Stage 5)
• Willunga for the Best Dressed Town award (Stage 5)
• Willunga for the Silver overall Best Dressed Town award

A sincere thankyou to our generous sponsors for their kind support of what has been another successful event:

Platinum Air Diffusion Agencies
Gold Staging Connections and Channel 9
Silver Trility
Bronze Leconfield Wines and Orange Outdoors

We also thank the following accommodation providers for their support:

McLaren Vale Studio Apartments
McLaren Vale Dreams
Linger Longer