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Extreme Heat Means Major Changes To Tomorrow At TDU

It’s hot. This is undeniable. It’s so hot that race organisers have been forced to make some major changes to Friday’s TDU lineup.

It’s hot. This is undeniable. It’s so hot that race organisers have been forced to cancel the 2018 Bupa Challenge Tour presented by The Advertiser.

Today it’s been annouced that in line with the Bupa Challenge Tour’s Extreme Wather Safety Plan has been implemented with event organisers advising all registered participants and the public of the decision, which was made in conjunction with emergency services agencites.

Hitaf Rasheed, Executive Director, Events South Australia said that with an extreme weather forecast (temperatures more than 40 degrees Celsius) the decision has been made to cancel the ride.

“We take the safety and welfare of Bupa Challenge Tour participants very seriously, and it is their wellbeing that comes first,” said Ms Rasheed.

“Whilst we know there will be some disappointed participants, and we too are disappointed to be making this decision, we are confident this is the right decision. Safety of all involved is the highest priority and won’t be compromised.”

The decision has been made in line with the event’s Extreme Weather Safety Plan. With the ride cancelled, all facilities that would have been provided as part of the event – including water, food, mechanical support, first aid, timing and medical services – will be withdrawn.

All participants will have their registration fee refunded, whilst retaining their 2018 retro designed jersey.

Race Director Mike Turtur has supported the decision, whilst himself making amendments to the Santos Tour Down Under’s Bupa Stage 4 in order to start and finish the stage in cooler conditions.

“It is the first time in the history of the Bupa Challenge Tour that we have been required to cancel and it is the right thing to do. The cancellation of the ride means that we are able to start Bupa Stage 4 one hour earlier at 10.30am,’’ Mr Turtur says.

“Each year the Santos Tour Down Under attracts thousands of spectators coming from locally, interstate and overseas. We must consider the safety of everyone involved at all times, event officials, riders and of course, the fans,” Mr Turtur says.

Santos Tour Down Under Bupa Stage 4 takes off from Norwood at 10.30am tomorrow. Fans are encouraged to join the start at Norwood and then make their way to Uraidla to enjoy planned festivities put on by the town of Uraidla, stage sponsor Bupa and other event partners.

Updated road closures and information relating to the cancellation of the Bupa Challenge Tour can be found at the official website here.

[toggle title=”2018 Tour Down Under” load=”show”]For all our South Australian cycling guides, TDU event news, photos, and more, check out the Glam Adelaide Tour Down Under section on our website.[/toggle]

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