|
Video highlights Click here for the videos page. |
Tour Down Under sprints across the line at Australian Sport Awards
(February 22, 2006) This evening the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under was crowned Australian Sport Tourism Award of the year at the 2006 Australian Sport Industry Awards in Sydney ahead of the Australian Open Tennis and Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
In front of a 400 strong crowd, Australian Major Events, General Manager, Leeanne Grantham was there to accept the award.
"National interest in the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under continues to grow from year to year, with the 2006 event attracting 495,000 spectators and more than 11,670 international and interstate visitors who came to South Australia specifically to attend the event. This award represents the next significant phase in the event's growth and stamps further authority on its reputation as a sports tourism icon.
"We want to build on this success and next January, we hope there will be even more support with an increased number of recreational and community events allowing more amateur cyclists and enthusiasts to participate in this world class event," said Leeanne Grantham, General Manager, Australian Major Events.
Hosted in South Australia, the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under (JCTDU), now entering its ninth year is Australia's own internationally renowned annual cycling race that attracts leading professional European Teams and riders, including Australian Tour de France heroes Robbie McEwen, Cadel Evans, Stuart O'Grady and Brad McGee.
The 2006 event provided an economic benefit to the State of at least $13.2 million, the equivalent of 203 full-time jobs, as well as media exposure valued in excess of $15 million.
Australian Major Events, is extremely pleased to accept this award, viewing it as recognition by the Australian sport's industry about the importance of major events as sport tourism attractions.
The Australian Sport Awards are the premier awards for sport in Australia. Conducted by the nation's peak body for sport, the Confederation of Australian Sport, these are the only event to recognise and celebrate excellence across all sports and across all areas of the sports sector.
The Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under is an internationally-accredited race, endorsed by the world cycling federation, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and is owned and managed by Australian Major Events, a division of the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Best Dressed Town winners announced
(31 January, 2006) Supported by KESAB, the winners of the Best Dressed Town competition for 2006 have been announced. [ Read more ]
Stage 5 - January 22: Adelaide City Council circuit, 81km
Gerrans crowned 2006 champion as Davis does it again
|
(22 January, 2006) Victorian Simon Gerrans was today crowned the 2006 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under champion, becoming the first rider in the eight year history of the race to claim the lead on the first stage and hold it until the finish.
An estimated 435,000 fans turned out during the five days of the race to support the world class field despite a record heatwave that saw temperatures soar past the 40 degree Celsius mark.
At the completion of 676 kilometres of racing Gerrans finished the Tour in first place in a total race time for the journey of 16hr36min54sec, seven seconds clear of 2005 race champion Spaniard Luis Sanchez of Liberty Seguros with Queensland's Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto), 14 seconds behind Gerrans.
25 year-old Gerrans, who rides with the French registered AG2R-Prevoyance team that has been newly promoted to the ProTour status, was overjoyed with his win which puts him on track for an impressive 2006 season after 2005 credits, which included a third place on stage 17 in his debut Tour de France, and his overall victory in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour in Victoria.
"I'm just absolutely rapt, I can't believe that I've had the lead from the first stage right through to today," said Gerrans after crossing the line safely in the main field on the final stage. "It's just an incredible feeling.
"My team mates rode a fantastic race, they backed me since the first day and protected me on every stage and there's no way I could have done it without them."
|
The final stage panned out well for Gerrans with a small break away group getting away early but containing no-one who posed a threat to the overall rankings. But he still took care to avoid any trouble.
"I didn't take any risks," said Gerrans. "I just did what I had to do and crossed the line.
"I've given myself a bit of a surprise this week... if someone had told me I would lead the Tour from start to finish last week I wouldn't have believed it at all," Gerrans said. "I guess I've shown something to myself as well as everybody else this week and this should do my Commonwealth Games selection chances a lot of good."
Gerrans flies out to Europe tomorrow to start the season with a solid race program scheduled for the next six weeks.
Meantime the final stage, 81km raced today over 18 laps of the Adelaide City Circuit, gave Bundaberg's Allan Davis (Liberty Seguros) his second stage win of the Tour when he narrowly edged out 11 time Tour Down Under stage winner, McEwen with Simone Cadamuro (ITA - Milram) third in a frantic final sprint for stage honours.
Davis broke an eight year duck to claim victory on the second stage into Hahndorf on Thursday after being one of only two riders to have raced in all eight Jacob's Creek Tours Down Under and not won a stage. Now he has two under his belt.
|
"I got on Robbie's (McEwen) wheel and just went from there," said Davis whose parents were trackside to cheer him on. "He gave me a good run into the finish. I've gradually progressed every year and maybe things are starting to pay off."
His Liberty Seguros-Wurth team was happy with Davis' second stage win, which also put him on top of the SA Lotteries Sprint Classification for the race, but a little disappointed they weren't able to secure a back-to-back win for defending Tour champion, Luis Sanchez.
"I tried everything I could yesterday, as did the team, to help Luis - we basically laid it on the line for him," said Davis. "But Simon and the AG2R guys were too good. We have no excuses and we still came away with three stage wins (Carlos Barredo won Stage 3) and second overall."
The Century 21 Most Aggressive Rider jersey for stage five was awarded to Italian Luca Paolini of the Liquigas-Bianchi team who was very active in the early breakaway group. Victorian Cadel Evans hung onto the Laubman and Pank King of the Mountain title and the UniSA-Australia line up took out the Panasonic Winning Team title.
|
Gene Bates was the recipient of the Tanya Denver Award as the highest placed South Australian overall. He finished fifth 1min48sec behind Gerrans.
The 'Share the Road' Best Young Rider (U23) went to William Walker who finished fourth overall, 46 seconds off the pace of the Tour champion.
Click here for full results, live report, photo gallery & video highlights of the final stage of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under.
Powerade Mini Tour for Kids cancelled
(22 January, 2006) Please be advised that under the Government Heat Policy developed in conjunction with Sports Medicine Australia today’s forecast temperature of 41 degrees with very HOT winds exceeds these guidelines. These winds have been instrumental in this final decision.
Unfortunately the Powerade Mini Tour for Kids has been cancelled today due to these conditions.
Parents and child entrants have been advised and full refunds will be issued.
Stage 4 - Saturday, January 21: Willunga - Willunga, 147km
UniSA-Australia scores the quinella
|
South Australian Russell Van Hout and his UniSA-Australia team mate Paul Crake stole the show today to claim the quinella on stage four of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under raced in stifling conditions.
"You know it's a dream come true in front of all my fans and family, all the people who have helped me all the way," said Van Hout. "It was a hard day the whole day in that breakaway, and to have a teammate to finish with one-two...what more could you ask for?"
The air temperature topped the 40 degrees Celsius mark but it was even hotter for the international field of cyclists who also battled hot northerly winds and the reflected heat from the melting bitumen. But it didn't phase the riders who still averaged 41km/h for the 147km stage.
The main contenders for overall race honours allowed a group of 20 riders to form early on after an aggressive start to the racing. 16 riders attacked initially, established a lead, and were later joined by four others with the 20 strong group at one stage having a lead of almost nine minutes, which technically put Chocolade Jacques rider Glenn D'Hollander in the race lead.
"That's what we planned to do and it came off perfectly," said race leader Simon Gerrans of the AG2R Prevoyance team. "We thought we'd let a group go with some riders at about four minutes to put some pressure on Liberty to give us a hand.
"My guys were getting a little bit tired (because) they've just done an awesome job all week and I just couldn't thank them enough - they've really won this Tour for me."
|
In the second of the three laps along the coastal strip the main field got organised with AG2R-Prevoyance, Liberty Seguros-Wurth teammates of second placed Luis Sanchez began the chase. But up with the front group Van Hout and Crake launched an attack on the climb up Old Willunga Hill and went on with it for the 20 kilometres to the finish with Frenchman Rony Martias of the Bouygues Telecom team riding home 1min03sec later for third place.
Sanchez launched his own attack on Gerrans on the climb, but the AG2R team support came to the fore.
"When he first dropped me about 400m from the top of the climb, I panicked a little bit and I sort of blew up, but I had Sylvain Calzati waiting there for me and he kept his cool," said Gerrans. "He rode an easy tempo so I could hang onto his wheel and then we caught Jose Arrieta and he started working as well - the two of them just towed me back up to Sanchez.
"I was really relieved when I caught him, I just sat on his wheel," said Gerrans. "With about 5km to go I started cramping like a bastard - both my quads locked up and my calves. I was getting water from whoever I could and putting it on my legs - I could hardly pedal across the line."
Gerrans goes into the final stage with the same seven second lead over defending champion Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros-Wurth) that he has held since the first day, while Queensland's Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) remains in third place at 18 seconds.
|
"It's going to be fantastic wearing the jersey tomorrow and I've got to get through the final 90 kilometres yet," said Gerrans who has worn the jersey since winning the opening stage on Wednesday. "It's not often a race is lost on the last day but I guess theoretically it's possible.
"But again I'll be watching Sanchez pretty closely."
Recently crowned Australian U23 road champion, Will Walker remains in the lead of the Share the Road Best Young Rider classification and the UniSA-Australia team leads the Panasonic Teams Classification.
Van Hout's efforts today also saw him take over the lead in the SA Lotteries Sprint competition while Cadel Evans (Davitamon-Lotto) still holds the lead in the Laubman and Pank King of the Mountain classification. Crake was awarded the Century 21 Most Aggressive Rider jersey for the day.
Tomorrow's final stage will be 20 laps of a 4.5km Adelaide Circuit.
Click here for full results, live report, photo gallery & video highlights of the fourth stage of the JCTDU. Also available are full results and photos from the final round of the Adelaide Advertiser women's criterium series.
South Australia.com jerseys go on sale
(21 January, 2006) Amateur cyclists and Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under fans can get the look of South Australia's very own cycling team. South Australia.com - AIS team jerseys are available for purchase in Australia. The striking purple jerseys carry the team name along with images of a kangaroo and South Australian landscapes.
Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says there has been great interest from members of the public in the team and their outfits. "Organisers of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under have received many requests and calls from people keen to buy a jersey," Minister Lomax-Smith says.
"It is a great promotion for the State and our association with cycling to have both professional cyclists and fans wearing the jersey bearing our State's name."
The South Australia.com - AIS cycling team will race in countries around the world, promoting the name South Australia as they go.
Minister Lomax-Smith also announced the route for the 2007 be active Tour that this year attracted record numbers of amateur cyclists.
"I am pleased to say that the 2007 be active Tour will travel from Stirling to Victor Harbor, with 150km, 100km and 30km options available. We have also opened registrations for next year's event so locals and visitors can register their interest early.
"This ride is growing in popularity each year and yesterday more than 2500 registered cyclists lined up for the ride to Yankalilla. Next year's route will take riders through the Adelaide Hills towards one of our most popular coastlines.
"I encourage people to get themselves a registration form from www.tourdownunder.com.au"
UPDATE - Powerade Mini Tour For Kids
(21 January, 2006) With the recent soaring temperatures, organisers of the Powerade Mini Tour For Kids are taking every precaution to ensure the more than 200 entrants are not disappointed or put at any risk.
Parents are strongly encouraged to make the decision as to whether or not their children participate. Organisers urge all registered entrants to come to the event even if they are not planning on riding to collect their goody bag and t-shirt.
Please be advised that the time will be shortened and water spray tents kindly supplied by United Water have been installed for use after the event.
Thank you for your support and don't forget to see the Laubman & Pank team in the Kids Zone for FREE vision screening.
Stage 3 - Friday, January 20: Strathalbyn - Yankalilla, 154km
Liberty does it again
|
(20 January, 2006) The Liberty Seguros - Wurth team has scored another victory this time through Spaniard Carlos Barredo who was unstoppable in the final kilometres of the 154km stage three from Strathalbyn to Yankalilla on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula a day after his team mate Allan Davis claimed a stage victory in Hahndorf.
"I was disappointed after the first day when I was out of the general classification because I came here with that in mind as well of course to help Luis (Leon Sanchez) defend his title," Barredo said. "So besides looking at overall with Luis we've been taking it stage by stage and trying to get in the winning move each day which I did today so I am very happy to win.
"The victory of today's stage is compensation for all the hard work I have done during the off-season," he said. "I made a lot of sacrifices through training and watching my diet to get himself into shape for today so this victory compensates for those sacrifices.
"The reason we (Liberty Seguros-Wurth team) are going so well is because it is well known our Director, Manolo Saiz, gets his guys training very hard throughout the off-season," he explained. "I hope this form will continue from here so I can have a good Classics campaign which is my main objective for 2006."
|
24 year old Barredo won in a time of 3hr51min03sec, 32 seconds clear of second placed Sydney Olympic teams pursuit gold medallist Daniel Becke (GER) of the Milram team. Becke's efforts earned him the lead in the SA Lotteries Sprint Classification after he won both intermediate sprints of the day, the first at Goolwa at the 61.4km mark and the second at Port Elliott at 73.1km.
Davitamon-Lotto rider, Victorian Cadel Evans was third on the stage just behind Becke but his climbing skills early in the day saw him secure the lead in the Laubman and Pank King of the Mountain Classification when he won the battle over Newland Hill at the 85.6km mark.
The trio were part of an 11 man break that established in the first ten kilometres of today's race which set off in 38 degree temperatures. The attack suited race leader Simon Gerrans perfectly with his AG2R-Prevoyance team mates riding tempo on the front of the main field to keep the leaders under control but not reeling them in.
|
The leaders worked well together to maintain their advantage and as they hit the coastline the temperatures eased to 30 degrees which provided some relief. At the 105km mark the action hotted up when Matthew Hayman (UniSA-Australia) laid down the challenge. Barredo answered immediately but unfortunately for the Spaniard he dropped the chain on his bike and was forced to pull over for running repairs.
In the meantime Alexandre Botcharov (RUS - Credit Agricole) and Vincent Jerome (FRA - Bouygues Telecom) bridged the gap to Hayman. Barredo put in a superhuman effort to recover from the setback and rejoin the leaders while Becke, Evans, and Serge Pauwels (BEL - Chocolade Jacques) also joined the move.
But Barredo looked at the group and didn't like what he saw so he went it alone rocketing away to a solo lead which at one stage was more than a minute. Despite a chase by his rivals Barredo wasn't caught and he crossed the line overjoyed with his victory. Barredo was also awarded the Century 21 Most Aggressive Rider of the day jersey.
|
Overall Victorian Simon Gerrans (AG2R-Prevoyance) still leads the race by seven second from defending champion Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros-Wurth) who is expected to launch his attack on the lead tomorrow on the penultimate stage a 127km race which starts and finishes in Willunga and sees the riders do battle in and around the McClaren Vale coastal wine growing region.
"That's right we knew from day one that Saturday was going to be the big decider so we're in a good position," said Gerrans. "I'm still seven seconds up and I reckon that's better than being seven seconds behind so we're in a good spot."
Recently crowned Australian U23 road champion, Will Walker remains in the lead of the Share the Road Best Young Rider classification and the UniSA-Australia team leads the Panasonic Teams Classification.
Click here for full results and the live report, photo gallery and video highlights from the third stage.
Record line up of cyclists for be active Tour
(20 January, 2006) A record number of amateur cyclists will don lycra today for the chance to ride the stage three Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under circuit on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. Premier Mike Rann will wave the flag in Strathalbyn this morning, sending off 2525 people who have registered to take part in the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under be active Tour.
"This event is becoming more and more popular each year," says Premier Rann.
"The first event in 2003 attracted 652 riders, with 1386 taking part the following year and 1900 in 2005. This year's 2525 registrations is the highest number ever. A further 201 children have registered for the Powerade Mini Tour for Kids.
"It's a great opportunity to ride exactly the same route as the big name professional cyclists who have travelled from around the world to contest the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under. More importantly, it's a chance for people to improve their fitness, enjoy spectacular scenery and experience the thrill that comes from personal achievement.
"There can be no better feeling than crossing the finish line after a gruelling and physically demanding activity. Many people have been training for months to build their fitness in readiness for the event.
"Bicycle SA tells us that the cyclists range in age from eight to 68 and two athletes from Victoria will take part in wheelchairs. There are three options to suit all levels of fitness – the 154km route from Strathalbyn to Yankalilla, 93km from Goolwa to Yankalilla and 24km from Delamere to Yankalilla.
"I would like to offer my best wishes to everyone taking part in the be active Tour today. "The growth in registrations for the tour reflects increased interest in recreational and competitive cycling in Australia. Cycling is now ranked our nation's fourth most popular pastime, with more than 1.6 million enthusiasts in 2004, an increase of 15% on 2001.
"There are about six million bicycles in Australia and cycling captures two major global trends – health and exercise as well as environmental sustainability."
Stage 2 - Thursday, January 19: Stirling - Hahndorf, 146km
Davis breaks Down Under duck
|
(19 January, 2006) Bundaberg cyclist Allan Davis has broken an eight year duck to claim victory in the second stage of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under, raced over 146km in the Adelaide Hills. Davis was one of only two riders to have raced in all eight Jacob's Creek Tours Down Under and not won a stage; Estonian champion Jaan Kirsipuu (Credit Agricole) is the other.
But that changed today when Davis unleashed a winning sprint across the line in Hahndorf ahead of UniSA-Australia rider Paul Crake with Davis' Liberty Seguros-Wurth team mate Eladio Sanchez coming home third 38 seconds later.
Davis kissed the wedding band on his left hand as he crossed the line in tribute to his wife Andrea, four year old daughter Brooklyn and newborn son, Harrison who was born five weeks ago and might not have helped his Dad with his race preparation in terms of letting him sleep but certainly helped his motivation today.
"I can't describe how hungry I was for a win this year," said Davis. "It's better late than never and I'd just like to thank my team mates, not only this year, but over all the years, we've tried 110 percent and I'm just rapt to get a win today.
"It was sensational feeling, I've had a few wins overseas but this is my first one in Australia for a long time."
|
The 146km stage from Stirling to Hahndorf began with a climb at the 17km mark. AG2R-Prevoyance rider Samuel Dumoulin (FRA) went over the Echunga hill first to increase his lead in the Laubman and Pank King of the Mountain classification.
Not long after the climb Davis was one of a group of eleven riders which established a lead on the rest of the field and with no-one in the group who posed a threat to the top four ranked riders overall the bunch opted to let them stay away.
Through the first intermediate SA Lotteries Sprint at Woodside at 51km Australian Hilton Clarke of the Navigators team took out the maximum points and he did it again on the same line for the second intermediate sprint at the 92km mark.
|
As the race approached Hahndorf for the third and final time, it was five time Empire State Building stair climbing champion, Paul Crake, (UniSA-Australia) who launched the attack with Davis joining him soon after to set up a two man battle for stage honours.
Davis' played his superior sprint skills perfectly to slingshot off Crake's wheel in the final 200 metres for an easy win across the line.
"We were the only team with two men in the break and you have to make the most of that advantage," said Davis, who benefited from the support of Eladio Sanchez throughout the day. "I knew I had strong legs today so I went across to the lead group by myself early in the race and thought, 'I'm going to have a go - if I'm going down, I'm going down boxing.'
"So I had a go and I won," he said. "Full credit to Crakey as well cause he had a go and it's a great result for both of us."
|
Overall Victorian Simon Gerrans (AG2R-Prevoyance) leads the race by seven seconds to defending champion Luis Leon Sanchez (Liberty Seguros-Wurth) with the world class field of 92 riders facing another hot day in the saddle tomorrow when they contest Stage 3 from Strathalbyn to Yankalilla. Today temperatures hit the 40 degree mark and tomorrow is expected to be just as warm.
"Everyone struggles with the heat, not just my team, so it's an even playing field (because) it's not cooler for anyone else," said Gerrans, whose team rode just hard enough today to protect their race leader. "It would have been really silly to race flat out today (because) tomorrow and the next day, Saturday, are going to be the real test."
The Century 21 Most Aggressive Rider jersey will be worn by Crake, the SA Lotteries Sprint classification is being led by Gerrans on 14 points, but will be worn by Davis who is second placed on a countback with Clarke, who also has 12 points. The Share the Road Best Young Rider jersey remains on the shoulders of Will Walker of the United Water - U23 Australian team. UniSA continues to lead the Panasonic team classification but Liberty Seguros - Wurth has moved to second, just over five minutes behind and South Australia.com-AIS is now third almost 13 minutes in arrears of the leaders.
Click here for full results, live report, photo gallery & video highlights
Full results of the second race in the Adelaide Advertiser women's criterium series (includes A and B grade men) are also available, along with a photo gallery.
New: Video action (5MB WMV clips) from the Jacob's Creek Down Under Classic and Stage 1 in the Videos section.
Stage 1 - January 18: Mawson Lakes to Angaston, 148km
Gerrans snatches lead on stage one of Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under
|
Victorian Simon Gerrans has claimed the stage and overall lead of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under after an aggressive day of racing through South Australia's Barossa Valley wine growing region.
Gerrans completed the stage in a time of 3hr38min33sec, two seconds clear of defending Tour champion, Luis Leon Sanchez of Spain (Liberty Seguros - Wurth) with Davitamon-Lotto rider, Robbie McEwen (Aus) third a further nine seconds back. Gerrans was ecstatic with the victory which came in the wake of his disappointment in last Saturday's Australian Open Road Championships where a crash put paid to his hopes of victory.
"I was disappointed with how I went at the nationals, so to come up and win today, I was just over the moon," Gerrans said. "It's going to be tough to defend the overall lead for the rest of the week, but I've got a really strong team here.
"They're a great bunch of guys and I'm sure they'll support me all the way," said the 25 year old Victorian who last year made his Tour de France debut and not only finished the gruelling three week odyssey, but claimed a third place on the 17th stage. He returned to Australia in October to take out overall honours in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
Gerrans' AG2R-Prevoyance team, which was recently awarded a ProTour licence by the International Cycling Union, has a good track record in the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under, having won it twice before with French rider Gilles Maignan winning in 2000 and Spaniard Mikel Astarloza in 2003.
The race action was as hot as the searing mid-30's temperatures endured by the world class field and the 85,000 fans who turned out along the 148km route from Mawson Lakes, a northern Adelaide suburb, to the town of Angaston.
|
Australian riders initiated the action as Barcelona Olympian Robbie McLachlan launched the first assault taking South Australia.com-AIS team rider and recently crowned U23 national time trial champion, Shaun Higgerson with him. The pair were then joined by a chasing group of 21 riders with all teams represented in the lead group except the French registered Credit Agricole line up.
By the 85 km mark of the 148 kilometre stage 29 riders had established a decisive lead with the main field more than 12 minutes behind. The leader's included Robbie McEwen, defending champion Luis Sanchez, William Walker, Cadel Evans and Gene Bates.
But as the race approached Angaston for the first time at the 99 kilometre mark, the front group was under attack from within as McEwen, Gerrans, Walker and then Sanchez joined forces to form the group to decide the placings.
|
With master sprinter McEwen in the quartet, Gerrans opted not to hang around and wait to take him on at the line, and chose instead to attack solo, which proved to be the right decision as he sailed across the line alone with arms raised in celebration.
Gerrans now wears the Jacob's Creek leader's ochre jersey with a seven second overall lead to Sanchez with McEwen third overall at 18sec. Gerrans also leads the SA Lotteries sprint classification. His AG2R-Prevoyance team mate, Samuel Dumoulin (Fra) leads the Laubman and Pank King of the Mountain after winning the climb at Gawler. Will Walker, (United Water-U23 Australia) is the top ranked U23 rider in fourth place and will wear the Share the Road best young rider jersey. Sanchez was named the Century 21 Most Aggressive rider for the day.
Tomorrow the race heads in and around the Adelaide Hills with a 146km route from Stirling to Hahndorf.
Click here for full results, live report and photo gallery and video highlights.
January 17: Jacob's Creek Down Under Classic, 50 km
McEwen blitzes sprint for victory in Jacob's Creek Down Under Classic
|
(17 January 2006) An estimated 70,000 fans turned out on a glorious summer's night in the East End of Adelaide to cheer on a world class field in the inaugural Jacob's Creek Down Under Classic and were treated to a spectacular sprint finish won by Davitamon-Lotto's Robbie McEwen.
McEwen held off a fast-finishing Allan Davis to take the victory ahead of Italian riders Daniele Colli (Liquigas) and Simone Cadamuro (Milram).
"It was the Italian from Milram, Cadamuro, who's a very fast guy who took over the lead from the Credit Agricole boys," said McEwen. "You saw (Thor) Hushovd pulling the sprint from Mark Renshaw and I was in a bit of a battle with Allan Davis for the wheel of Cadamuro because we could see that was the place to be.
"I was able to out manoeuvre Alby to get on the wheel then I waited for the moment and down the finish straight, slightly downhill, no wind, you just get up to enormous speeds down there," he said. "I had a look behind and no-one caught my slipstream and I could just enjoy those last 25 metres."
McEwen stayed hidden in the peloton for most of the race appearing at the decisive moment to stamp his authority when it counted.
|
Credit Agricole's gun sprinting squad looked like the team to beat going into the final lap with Julian Dean and Thor Hushovd working hard for in-form Australian Mark Renshaw to make a run for the finale, but McEwen put paid to that. After strong leadout work from his Liberty Seguros teammates, Allan Davis also challenged McEwen but the master sprinter played it perfectly.
"I think I've won four of the last five [races in Adelaide] - I love this little circuit, it's a great start to the week here in Adelaide," he said. "Now I can just move on from tonight - this is a separate race, and I've won my first one-day race of the season, so I'm going to move on and try and win stages of the Tour Down Under."
Earlier in the opening stage of The Advertiser Women's Criterium Series defending series champion Victorian Jenny MacPherson claimed a narrow win ahead of recently crowned Australian road race champion, Kate Bates, and Bridget Evans.
Tomorrow the 95 internationals will line up for the 148km stage one of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under from Mawson Lakes, a suborn north of Adelaide, to Angaston in the famous Barossa Valley wine growing region.
Full results from the Jacob's Creek Down Under Classic and the Advertiser Women's Criterium Series race 1. Click here for the live report, men's photo gallery and women's photo gallery and video highlights.
It’s party time in Adelaide!
(January 17, 2006) The start of the Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under on Adelaide’s streets tonight kicks off a jam-packed events season that is expected to draw thousands of tourists to South Australia.
Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says crowds totalling more than two million people are expected at eight major events around the city from January to March.
Adelaide’s event bonanza includes:
1. 2006 Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under: 17 to 22 January
2. VB International One Day Cricket: 24 January to 10 February
3. Jacob’s Creek Open Golf Championship: 16 to 19 February
4. Adelaide Fringe 2006: 24 February to 19 March
5. Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts: 3 to 19 March
6. 2006 Adelaide Cup Carnival: 4 to 19 March
7. WOMADelaide 2006: 10 to 12 March
8. 2006 Clipsal 500 Adelaide: 23 to 26 March
“This is one of the most action-packed event periods in the State’s history, with a calendar of events that will add energy to our city and put Adelaide on the world map,” Minister Lomax-Smith says.
“With international standard cycling, golf, cricket, horse racing and arts festivals on offer, Adelaide is about to become the Australian centre of international attention.
“Not only will we have people jetting in from all over the world to attend these events, but the sights of Adelaide will be broadcast to many millions of viewers worldwide.
“This is good for local jobs and business and for the economic and social growth of the State.
“The economic spin-off from these events is expected to be substantial, with historical figures suggesting the benefit to the State is likely to exceed $80 million.
“And, of course, our international and interstate visitors will be joined by tens of thousands of locals who will be a big part of the action.
“Beyond Adelaide, regional events will add to the buzz and benefit communities and local business with events such as Barossa Under the Stars, Rivafest 2006 and the Port Lincoln Cup Carnival.
“No other Australian city can boast the range or calibre of events in South Australia during this time. The whole city will be buzzing and there really is something for everyone.
“The Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under alone last year attracted an audience close to half a million people, with an estimated economic value of $13.2 million.
“We want to smash the half a million mark this year so I encourage everyone to get along to one of the five stages and cheer on the big names of world cycling.”
Today South Australia...tomorrow the world
(15 January, 2006) Excitement is building for the start of the 2006 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under on Tuesday - and the professional racing debut of the new South Australia.com - AIS cycling team. Premier Mike Rann and Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith today launched the South Australia-branded team uniform and bikes and announced Governor Marjorie Jackson-Nelson is team patron.
Premier Rann also unveiled the team's 12-month competition calendar for 2006, which will take their promotion of South Australia to countries such as Italy, Spain, Canada and the United Kingdom.
"This is like having mobile billboards making South Australia a household name to tens of millions of cycling fans worldwide," Premier Rann says. "South Australia.com - AIS will not only promote our State to race spectators, but the masses who watch international cycling on television screens right across the world.
"This is a unique initiative to get South Australia and our State's association with international road race cycling into the hearts and minds of potential tourists. We are always keen to find bold new ways to promote South Australia and attract more visitors from interstate and overseas, and are delighted to be a major supporter of South Australia.com - AIS.
"The Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under has been enormously successful in promoting our State, attracting 11,670 visitors from interstate and overseas and providing worldwide television exposure.
"The prospect of witnessing the big names of world cycling is also a drawcard for South Australians and we expect more than half a million people to create a record attendance at this year's event."
Minister Lomax-Smith says there will be plenty of opportunities for people to see the action, with the five stages taking riders through the city, suburbs, Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.
"Amateur cyclists can also take part themselves, riding the be active tour from Strathalbyn to Yankalilla before the professionals begin racing on Friday," she says. "Television screens will show riders against a backdrop of our world-famous vineyards, as well as breathtaking coastal areas, hills and city locations.
"The State Government is a proud supporter of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under which generates an estimated $13.2 million in net economic benefit for the State."
ROUTES FOR 2006 TOUR DOWN UNDER
(July 6, 2005) Mawson Lakes, Stirling and Yankalilla will host the colour and excitement of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under for the first time in 2006, Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith announced today.
Minister Lomax-Smith visited the Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre at Rowland Flat this morning to unveil the start and finish locations for the 2006 event and the new ochre-coloured leader's jersey.
Minister Lomax-Smith says grand cycling tours of the world all have a special coloured race leader's jersey. The Tour de France has yellow; the Tour of Italy has pink and now the Tour Down Under has ochre. "Since its inception in 1999, the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under has followed the cycling traditional of the Tour de France's yellow jersey to signify overall race leader. "The event has matured and now has a leader's jersey in a colour of our own that represents Australia. The event will now showcase the Jacob's Creek Ochre Leader's Jersey. The colour ochre is strongly associated with Australia and the Tour wanted to create something unique that will be identified on the world stage.
"The 2006 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under will, for the first time, have stage starts from Mawson Lakes and Stirling and a finish in Yankalilla. The town of Strathalbyn will again host a start after a four-year absence."
Minister Lomax-Smith says the ever-increasing profile of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under has resulted in 11,670 event specific international and national visitors attending the 2005 event, generating an economic benefit to the State of at least $13.2M. "The success of this high profile cycling event with thousands of tourists has allowed South Australia to push cycling like never before. We expect an increase in visitors in 2006 because of additional activity at the Tour de France and partnerships with cycling tour operators," she says.
"Our very own bicycle-riding kangaroo character named 'Oppy', sent to France to promote the State during the Tour de France, is reportedly a huge hit and the most popular entrant in the Tour de France pre-race publicity caravan. "Hand-outs and competitions promoting South Australia and the Tour Down Under are being distributed to the millions of spectators who line the streets of France each day of the race."
The 2006 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under will be held from Tuesday 17 January until Sunday 22 January 2006. The Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under is owned and managed by Australian Major Events, a division of the South Australian Tourism Commission.
2006 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under Summary of Race Stages
Jacob's Creek Down Under Classic
Tuesday 17 January
Race Distance: km
Start Time: hours
Stage 1 Mawson Lakes to Angaston
Wednesday 18 January Race Neutral: 0.8 km
Race Distance: 148 km
Start Time: 1100 hours
Stage 2 Stirling to Hahndorf
Thursday 19 January Race Neutral: 0.8 km
Race Distance: 146 km
Start Time: 1100 hours
Stage 3 Strathalbyn to Yankalilla
Friday 20 January Race Neutral: 0.8 km
Race Distance: 154 km
Start Time: 1100 hours
Stage 4 Willunga to Willunga
Saturday 21 January Race Neutral: 2 km
Race Distance: 147 km
Start Time: 1100 hours
Stage 5 Adelaide City Council Circuit
Sunday 22 January Race Neutral: 0.0 km
20 Laps @ 4.5 km
Race Distance: 90 km
Start Time: 1330 hours
For access to high resolution electronic versions of each stage map please email Skye Harwood: harwood.skye@saugov.sa.gov.au
Be on the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under mailing list!
In an effort to keep you updated with the latest news on the event we invite you to join our mailing list.
By simply filling in your details and hitting Join, you will automatically be entered into our database ensuring you receive information from us throughout the year.
Home - Race
Details - Sponsors - Contact
Us
Site design by Cyclingnews.com Copyright
© 2005
Latest NewsTour Down Under sprints across the line at Australian Sport Awards Best Dressed Town winners announced Stage 5: Gerrans crowned 2006 champion as Davis does it again Powerade Mini Tour for Kids cancelled Stage 4 - UniSA-Australia scores the quinella South Australia.com jerseys go on sale UPDATE - Powerade Mini Tour For Kids Stage 3 - Liberty does it again Record line up of cyclists for be active Tour Stage 2 - Davis breaks Down Under duck Stage 1 - Gerrans snatches lead on stage one of Jacob's Creek Tour Down
Under McEwen blitzes sprint for victory in Jacob's Creek Down Under Classic It’s party time in Adelaide! Today South Australia...tomorrow the world |
 |
|
 |
 |