Tour Down Under

Yesterday we awoke to magnificent weather, sunny but not too hot.    Saturday, Day Five of the Tour Down Under and we had the race right at our door, so as to speak.   Exciting!   Today the race started at McLaren Valley and went a few rounds of the area and ended at the top of old Willunga Hill.   A few rounds went on for more than five hours I might add, and included some pretty steep hills.   The riders came through Aldinga Beach three times, so we had a chance to see them flash past more than once.    

We first drove to Aldinga Beach, parked at the top of one of the side streets, and walked across the Esplanade to a vantage point, on the rise above the beach.   Fantastic.

The people who lived, or had holiday homes on the Esplanade, really had the race at their door.   These people were having a good time while they waiting for the riders to come past.

 Aldinga Beach was nearly deserted.    

 Jay and Jespa waiting patiently, or not so patiently, for the riders to arrive.

 The first group of riders, five in total, who were way out in front.

 But where is the main peloton? We looked anxiously up the Esplanade, but no police or helicopters in sight.  

 After five minutes they arrived and flashed past.

 We then got back into the car and went home for coffee.

A house decked out in balloons, flags and bicycles.   Very festive.

 After forty minutes we walked down to the corner, Snapper Point, for the second lap.    This part is where they sprint, so the riders really did flash past.

Everyone lining the road in readiness to see the sprint.  

 Two policemen looking relaxed.   I love their hats.

 Jimmy's Takeaway was doing a roaring trade.

 There were lots of lycra clad people who were taking part in their own races, or maybe just getting into the cycling mood.  A thematic approach to Tour Down Under.

 The road was painted especially for the race.

The main peloton was 7 minutes behind on the second lap, but had caught up and were only 3 minutes behind on the third lap.    

Today is Day Six and the race is around Adelaide City.    The temperature will be 36 degrees so a bit hard on the riders.

An exciting event for South Australia.