Tailem Bend Cycles Into Action
Tailem Bend is preparing to out their pedal to the metal when it hosts some of the nation’s biggest cycling events in January next year.
Anita had the story on the Country Viewpoint.
Over the weekend of January 13 & 14, Tailem Bend will be host to Revolve24 endurance cycling event at the Bend Motorsport Park, as well as the third stage of the Santos Women’s Tour Down Under.
These two events are expected to bring thousands of people to the district for the weekend, with Mayor Neville Jaensch saying it had been a long-time coming, but will have a great impact on the Tailem Bend community and local economy.
“There’s a real buzz happening in our district right now,” he said.
“We want people to get involved - whether it’s through attending the events, helping us to decorate the streets, or being business-ready for the influx of visitors. “The best news is, the Revolve24 event has free admission, so it’s the perfect opportunity for everyone to get out to the site and witness an elite athletic event, right on their doorstep.
“It’s also a chance to take have a look at how The Bend facility is shaping up.”
The Council is also working with Revolve24 organisers to sponsor a local team (‘Team Coorong’) for the event, featuring a group of eight men from the area, aged 16-56 years, currently in training.
Members include Wayne Richardson (captain), Nathan Willason, Christopher Barker, Peter Clarke, Jose Valerio, James Mcinally, Benjamin Gallasch and Ian Hunt.
Council is also in the early stages of planning the best way to bring excitement and colour to the town as it hosts the third stage of the Santos Women’s Tour Down Under on the same weekend.
“It’s going to attract cycling enthusiasts from everywhere,” Mayor Jaensch said.
“People will want to be a part of the hype, atmosphere and witness some of the incredible athletes in action.”
The stage, which is the longest of the women’s event, christens the new Bend Motorsport Park with a neutral start towards Tailem Bend.
The ride will travel along Lime Kiln, Trevena, Kulde, Station, Granites, Orland and Boundary Roads as they make their way via Murray Bridge to Hahndorf.
“It costs nothing to get out along the roadside and watch these incredible female athletes shoot past,” Mayor Jaensch says.
“The whole Tour Down Under festival brings our State so many incredible tourism and economic benefits, and now we get to be a part of it in the Coorong. I for one, am excited.”
Image Source - Coorong District Council