The Santos Tour Down Under has released numbers today that show its continued growth for the 2010 edition. Last month’s event attracted record crowds, visitor numbers and income for the South Australian economy. The numbers support multi-day bicycle races as being an innovative way to promote tourism and stimulate local economies.
The preliminary economic impact and research figures show the event grew in key categories with a total of 770,500 spectators, 43,700 visitors to the State and 39,700 event specific visitors from interstate and overseas. In just four years the economic impact of the race grew 30 million dollars, from $11.5 million in 2007 to $41.5 million this year.
Additional findings support the sport drawing fans to the race. The Mutual Community Challenge Tour, a public recreational ride run with the Tour Down Under, set a new record of 8099 participants, with a record 30% traveling from interstate and overseas.
“The 2010 Santos Tour Down Under was the biggest and best in the event’s history, with record crowds, public participation and economic impact,” said Mike Turtur, Race Director.
“We’ve been blown away by the success of the race, which this year fielded the strongest group of riders in its history.
“People came out in force to watch the likes of Armstrong, Evans, Greipel and McEwen. The list of top riders goes on and on.”
“World Champion Cadel Evans didn’t disappoint fans with his attacking ride on Old Willunga Hill during Jayco Stage 5, in what was one of the best races the Tour has seen.”
Independent research company McGregor Tan conducted the research. The revised crowd figures are an increase on the initial SAPOL estimate of 762,000.