Willunga Stage... 2009 Tour Down Under, international cycling race...  January

2009 Tour Down Under in South Australia, January 18 to 25... 

Book into a Willunga bed and breakfast or unit early...  to ensure your stay for the Tour Down Under...  brightly coloured balloons, streamers and flags...  cheers, whistles and shakers...  stalls, food and wine...  spectacular views of hills, valleys, coastal cliffs and lush green vineyards in fruit...  crystal seas and white sandy beaches...

Willunga Stage is a showcase of some of the best scenery in South Australia.

Good, fast racing and long, straight stretches make viewing easy, and the towns of McLaren Vale, Aldinga and Aldinga Beach also get into the swing of things with Willunga, so there's much to see and do right around the route.

Each summer over 95,000 visitors flock to the region on race day to watch world-class cyclists do battle.

Click here to view the Tour Photo Gallery!

Saturday, January 24, 2009... Stage 5:  Aldinga start/Willunga finish... 147km in total...

Willunga will be the place to be this January!

The excitement is building for the 2008 Tour Down Under and nowhere more so than in Willunga, the host town for the finish of Stage 5 of the race on January 26.

The town is in full swing, which will see street performers and live music throughout the day.

The morning will begin with everyone’s favourite – the Willunga Quarry Market. Take a wander through the market and browse the variety of plants, books, jams and other produce items available. The Willunga Quarry Market is popular at any time but particularly during the Tour Down Under. The market is open from 9am and will run through until about 2.00pm.  Pam Jensen, the manager of the Quarry Market says there are still some sites available for stall holders interested in participating but you will need to get in quick and make sure that you have your own public and product liability insurance. If you are interested phone Pam on 8556 2502.

The race proper gets underway at 11am and to keep everyone occupied in between laps there will be non-stop entertainment, as well as an assortment of food and drink to keep everyone refreshed.

Organisers are expecting a good crowd this year and are positive that good weather will prevail!  And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the illuminated bike on the hillside adjacent Victor Harbor Road in the days leading up to the race, thanks to Mr Giles for his generosity.

Top viewing spots...

The Esplanade, near Butterworth St in Aldinga Beach: Snapper Point SA Lotteries Sprint; women's criterions

Willunga Hill, south of Willunga (King of the Mountain: last lap)

Willunga town centre for race finish & presentations; veteran's straight line sprint.

Willunga Stage of the tour starts at Snapper Point, Aldinga at 11 o'clock...

Having passed through Aldinga, riders then travel to McLaren Vale and back to Willunga to complete a lap.  After completing lap 3, riders then climb Old Willunga Hill, ride down through Range Road, Penny’s Hill Road and McMurtrie Road before heading back to Willunga along Main Road to complete the race at about 2.45pm.  Total distance travelled will be just under 150 kms.

Programme...

9.00am-2pm Willunga Quarry Market... Click here for details...

11.00am Race Start – Lap 1

12.03pm End Lap 1

12.15pm Winners announced – Best Mask Competition

1.06pm End Lap 2

2.08pm End Lap 3

2.14pm King of the Mountain

2.45pm Race Finish

3.00pm Official Presentations

3.30pm Alma After-Race Street Concert with Raze the Roof and Jelly Belly

5.30pm Close

Entertainment throughout the day will be provided by the City of Onkaparinga Big Band and children will be kept entertained with magic acts, juggling and face painting.

http://www.tourdownunder.com.au/2009/?q=S+5+map

Full Programme...

For all stages of the race...  Click www.TourDownUnder.com.au 

Contacts...

Coordinator for Tour Down Under, Willunga Stage...  Jenni Mitton 8323 8550 / 0411 049 570 or email jmitton8@bigpond.com

Willunga Business & Tourism President... Steve Nye (W) 08 8556 2772 / (H) 08 8556 2248.

Coordinator for Stage 4 (Willunga, McLaren Vale and Aldinga)...  Tracey Hutchison, Onkaparinga Council.

Book your flight to Adelaide, South Australia now... 

Book your flights and your accommodation in Willunga NOW and enjoy Willunga's festival atmosphere... best wines, restaurants, music, country farmers' market and craft markets, history and culture, nearby beaches & National Parks... Willunga the place to be... in January's summer sun... with friends, fun and ice-creams...!!!

Choose a quality Bed and  Breakfast in Willunga...  Only 45 minutes from the new Adelaide International Airport...  or the famous Ghan Train Terminal, or Indian Pacific Train Terminal... Drive from Melbourne along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, Limestone Coast and Fleurieu Way...  and enjoy The Tour Down Under from South Australia's second oldest town, historic Willunga....

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