BUPA CHALLENGE TOUR

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:13): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Tourism a question about the Santos Tour Down Under.

Leave granted.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: The Bupa Challenge Tour is a very popular part of the Santos Tour Down Under, with thousands of people participating each year. Can the minister tell the chamber what plans are in place for the next Bupa Challenge?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (15:13): I thank the honourable member for her most important question. Since its inception back in 1999, the Santos Tour Down Under has gone from strength to strength and it is now firmly embedded in the world cycling calendar. It is the first race on the UCI WorldTour and the only world tour event in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Santos Tour Down Under attracts the biggest names in world cycling and is a sporting event that we are very proud to hold here in South Australia. However, it is more than just a bike race—it is a festival of cycling with events and activities taking place right across the state.

The Santos Tour Down Under generates millions of dollars for the South Australian economy. This year's event generated $42.2 million in economic activity and attracted 760,000 spectators, including more than 36,000 interstate and international visitors. It has generated $140 million in media coverage, presenting the state as a premier tourism destination to a worldwide television audience.

We are looking forward to the 2013 event, which will begin with the Down Under Classic on 20 January, followed by the six stages of the Santos Tour Down Under from 22 to 27 January. I am very pleased to advise that 2013 will mark 15 years of the tour, with a very special 15^th birthday party on Saturday 19 January. This will be a free public event held in Victoria Square, beginning from mid-afternoon. There will be food, drink, bands, sponsor bike exhibitions, autograph signings and lots of activities available to the general public.

Participants in the Bupa Challenge Tour will also be able to collect their ride jerseys at the party. This year more than 7,000 people participated in the Bupa Challenge Tour, with more than 2,200 travelling from interstate and overseas to take part. In order to make this extremely popular event even more attractive, we have added a new 20-kilometre route to complement three longer distance options, but also to encourage cyclists of all abilities, not just the elite and well-trained cyclists, to take part in the Bupa Challenge on Friday 25 January. It will be a shorter, easier leg and I am sure that even you, Mr President, would be able to manage that leg.

The PRESIDENT: I'll have to pump up my tyres.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: You will have to pump up your tyres, and no doubt you will get Pam to do that for you. The introduction of this new shorter distance provides an opportunity for all levels of cyclists to ride the same Bupa stage 4 route or part of the route just hours before some of the world's best cyclists.

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: The honourable member asks whether I will be riding. Unfortunately, I will not be as I am not a cyclist, but I am a very keen runner, although 20 kilometres is a little further than I would normally go. Nevertheless I am a very keen runner.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I take it that the Hon. David Ridgway will be taking part in this event, given that he has given so much lip here today. He has obviously shown a keen interest and I am very willing to give his bike a bit of a push off at the start line, as I am sure he will need a little assistance to get going. That is okay; I will be happy to run alongside and give his bike a push along to make sure he gets going. I am more than happy to give his bike a bit of a push to help him along his way.

With four different starts and distances to choose from, from the full 127-kilometre route from Modbury to the new 20-kilometre ride, people can select the distance that best suits them. Many people can be part of this very wonderful event. It is there to encourage not just the elite and well-trained sportsperson but also families in particular. I encourage anyone who owns a bike to register and be part of the Santos Tour Down Under. You do not need expensive bikes: you can bring your three-wheeler, and training wheels are accepted. You do not need professional cycling attire, just a bike with the ability to take on the challenge.

There is still ample time to set some goals and start a bit of pre-training. The Bupa Challenge Tour is all about challenging yourself rather than racing others. You will be pleased to know, Mr President, that riders are encouraged to 'ride for a reason' and raise funds for the Cancer Council South Australia. For the first time people can gain free entry in the Bupa Challenge Tour if they raise $1,000 or more for charity. Riders who register for the 20-kilometre distance option and the 2013 Bupa Challenge Tour will receive a limited edition Bupa Challenge Tour T-shirt, while riders in the three longer distances will receive a lycra jersey (which is quite terrifying really, Mr President—no offence).

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I was thinking of the Hon. David Ridgway, not you, Mr President. Teams of five riders or more can register until 22 October 2012 and have their team name printed on their jersey, as well as go into the draw for the VIP hospitality tickets at stage 6 of the Santos Tour Down Under.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Ms Lee might have a supplementary to it or something.