Every year, between January and March, Australia hosts some of the first stops on the world sport calendar. Of course there are the Australian Open (Tennis) and the Australian Grand Prix (Formula 1) which are held every year in Melbourne. Each January, there is also the Tour Down Under (Cycling), which attracts thousands of visitors from across the world as it makes its way around South Australia. The young cycling race, in comparison with the legendary Tour de France, began in 1999 (Lance Armstrong was already using performance-enhancing drugs at that time) and has since grown considerably to become the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere. First event on the UCI WorldTour calendar, the Tour Down Under welcomes every year the world's best professional cyclists for the kick off of the cycling year. Adelaide Hills, the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale: since the Tour Down Under visits astounding beaches, world famous wine regions and charming country towns before the big finale on the streets of Adelaide, it is such a great opportunity for visitors to discover South Australia's gems in a week-long festival of cycling. Blending sport and tourism, this cycling event is definitely part of the things to do in Adelaide.
What do you think? Have you followed the Tour Down Under race? What is your favourite Australian sporting event? Let us know in the comments below!
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