Long term Morrows client, BikeExchange, recently sponsored Stage 5 (the infamous Willunga Hill) of the Tour Down Under in South Australia.
The Tour’s 151.5km route starts in McLaren Vale and winds its way rapidly along some of South Australia’s most stunning coastal scenery, but it’s without question the climb up Willunga Hill that really sorts the riders out.
It’s the stage that gives Australians a taste of just how epic spectator support can be – literally thousands upon thousands of cycling fans line the roads, with the most concentrated numbers packing every spare metre up the notorious Willunga. It’s impossible not to be affected by the buzz that boils over on this hill – characters dress up, fans camp out, banners go up and music pumps.
BikeExchange sponsored this stage and the team was out there in full force, handing out thousands of free t-shirts, “letshurtalittle” support ‘clappers’, plenty of water, sunscreen and a live telecast of the day’s racing.
As the chopper hovered above, parade cars and police vehicles whizzed by followed soon after by the riders in full battle.
Many spectators were hoping for Cadel Evans to take top of the podium on BikeExchange Stage 5 and it would have topped off an incredible end to his Tour Down Under racing. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be – Sky’s Richie Porte defended his previous Willunga win, but not without a memorable battle to the end. Congratulations to BikeExchange on their involvement.