Ride "The Tour" From Mannum To Strathalbyn

Participants in the Mutual Community Challenge Tour on Friday 25 January 2008, will pedal the same 134km route between Mannum and Strathalbyn as the world’s elite cyclists in Stage 4 of the 2008 Tour Down Under, which celebrates a 10th anniversary as Australia’s most successful cycling event.

A shorter ride option of 73.5km from Woodside to Strathalbyn is also available for those seeking a more leisurely ride.

Announcing the new race route today the Minister for Tourism, Hon Jane Lomax-Smith called upon riders to start practising now for the popular Mutual Community Challenge Tour.

"I urge all potential participants seeking fitness and fun to don the lycra and begin training now," she said.

"South Australia’s Tour Down Under gives our regional areas near Adelaide a brilliant opportunity to throw a party and they always celebrate with a passion," Minister Lomax-Smith says. "When the Tour visited Mannum for the first time last year, the community really got behind the event and created a fantastic carnival atmosphere enjoyed by thousands of locals and visitors."

"The Mutual Community Challenge Tour is the perfect opportunity for recreational cyclists to ride the same route as the top names of world cycling in the Tour Down Under," said Minister for Tourism.

"The 2007 Mutual Community Challenge Tour saw record participation, with 2696 riders taking part.

Eric Granger, State Manager SA & NT, Mutual Community, said that Mutual Community was thrilled to be continuing their sponsorship of the Mutual Community Challenge Tour.

"We are pleased to continue our association with the Challenge Tour, an event that ties in well with our bjectives to promote physical activity and healthy living."

o "The Mutual Community Challenge Tour is a must for all cyclists, and the new route against a backdrop of the River Murray will provide an exciting and challenging ride for participants."

The 2008 Tour Down Under features an expanded program of festivities, which will include an extra day of racing action.

Registrations for the 2008 Mutual Community Challenge Tour, Fun Tour and Mini Tour for Kids will be officially open from 12 July 2007. Recreational cyclists can register online at www.tourdownunder.com.au. To make sure you don’t miss out register your interest now with Kylie Wills at wills.kylie@saugov.sa.gov.au

Full details in relation to the 2008 Tour Down Under stages and race routes will be announced at the event launch, 12 July 2007.