Ride Guide and FAQs

The official Challenge Tour presented by The Advertiser Ride Guide contains information about start locations, checking in, ride options, training tips, car parking, transport, photographs, refreshment stations and more.

The handbook also includes information on rider etiquette, riding in a group, South Australian road rules and emergency procedures to help you enjoy the ride safely. 

The Official Ride Guide for the 2020 Challenge Tour can be downloaded here.

View the route map here.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the Challenge Tour presented by The Advertiser.

When is the ride?

The 2020 Challenge Tour will be held on the morning of Stage 4 of the Santos Tour Down Under, on Friday 24 January 2020.

What is the minimum and maximum age to ride?

There is no minimum age for riders, however no child under the age of 18 should be riding without the supervision of an adult. There is no maximum age for riders participating in the ride, however please make sure that you are riding to your fitness and have plenty of water.

When do entries for the Challenge Tour close?

Early Bird registration finishes at 5.00pm (ACDT) Thursday 31 October, 2019 

Team registrations close at 5.00pm (ACDT) Thursday 31 October, 2019 

Normal registrations close at 5.00pm (ACST) Monday 20 January, 2020

Does the registration fee cover personal insurance?

No, the registration fee for the Challenge Tour does not include personal accident insurance. 

Event Management recommends that all cyclists insure themselves for Personal Accident and Ambulance Cover.

You are strongly advised to watch the weather forecast prior to the event and bring appropriate clothing and sun protection with you. The latest weather information can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology Website. 

How do I know what size jersey I am?

Please note there will be a new supplier of jerseys for the 2020 Challenge Tour, and sizes will vary from previous years. Please view the sizing chart at the bottom of this page. These jerseys are a smaller fit than previous years.  

As the new supplier, Viva are offering size kit services for participants to try on the Challenge Tour jersey which may assist them to order their correct size. This is available at Viv Sportings office at 14 Desmond Ave, Marleston, SA 5033 between 10am - 5pm Monday - Friday. If you are unable to make it during business hours, please call 0439 082 775 to organise an alternative time.

Can I change my entry/riding distance?

Yes. Please send an email with your registration booking number and your enquiry to breakawayseries@sa.gov.au.

If I haven’t registered as a member of a team, can I still ride in a group?

Yes, but your team name will not be printed on your jersey.

If I have changed my mind or cannot ride on the day, can I receive a refund?

If SATC receives notification that you would like to cancel your registration before 5:00pm (ACST) Thursday 31st October 2019,  the SATC will refund 100% of amounts paid but will not provide an Event jersey.

If you advise us that you would like to cancel your registration after 5:00pm (ACST) Thursday 31st October 2019, SATC will not refund any portion of amounts paid unless a medical or doctor’s certificate is provided. SATC will not provide an Event jersey.

If you have a medical certificate please e-mail a copy to breakawayseries@sa.gov.au and we will be in contact.

Can I transfer my registration to another rider?

Yes. Please email breakawayseries@sa.gov.au with your receipt number and the details of the new rider including: First name, last name, date of birth, gender, mobile number, email address, medical conditions, Country, state, postcode, dietary requirements and emergency contact name and contact details.

What should I bring with me on the ride?

You should bring with you additional food and sports nutrition, sunscreen, spare warm clothing, rain jacket (weather dependent), sunglasses, a puncture repair kit, spare inner tubes, pump, rear tail light, fully charged and working mobile phone, and water bottles/carriers and some money.

How will my start position be determined?

A participant’s start position will be determined by the “Speed Group” selected during the registration process. Speed groups will then be arranged in the starting area from fastest to slowest.

The Speed Groups are:

• Under 20km per hour
• 20-25km per hour
• 25-30km per hour
• Over 30km per hour

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes. When cycling in South Australia, you must wear an approved bicycle helmet that is properly adjusted and securely fastened. Your bicycle helmet must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ2063, which will appear on the helmet, and shops must not sell or offer bicycle helmets for sale unless they meet this standard. This also applies to any passenger that you may have on your bicycle

Will I be riding on closed roads?

No, the ride will be on open roads for the majority of the time.

South Australia Police will be escorting all riders from the start for a short distance. However, this escort does NOT represent a road closure and riders MUST obey all normal road rules, including stopping at any red traffic signals, railway crossings, stop signs, riding two abreast and obeying the instructions of SAPOL or any Challenge Tour official or marshal.

Can I ride an e-bike / pedal assist bike in the Challenge Tour?

The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) permits the use of electric or power-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) in the Challenge Tour and will provide support in line with the following policy.

What should I wear during the event?

As part of your registration you will receive a Challenge Tour official event jersey which is compulsory to wear. You must also wear an approved bicycle helmet that is properly adjusted and securely fastened.

We also recommend cycling knicks and sunglasses.

Where/when do I collect my Westpac Challenge Tour Event Jersey?

Jerseys can be collected from the City of Adelaide Tour Village in Victoria Square.

Remember to bring evidence of your booking and payment with you, such as your official email/letter of confirmation, and photo identification.

Saturday 18 January 2019	3:00pm-7:00pm
Sunday 19 January 2019	Closed
Monday 20 January 2019	3:00pm-7:00pm
Tuesday 21 January 2019	Closed
Wednesday 22 January 2019	Closed
Thursday 23 January 2019	3:00pm-7:00pm
Friday 24 January 2019	Westpac Challenge Tour day!

What time do I have to be at the starting location?

Please arrive in the marshalling area at least 20 minutes prior to the start.

Will there be storage at the start locations?

Yes. There will be cloakrooms at each start location where you can deposit a small bag of spare clothing which will be transferred to the finish line for collection.

What happens if I break down or have an accident?

In the event of an accident or breakdown, officials will endeavor to transport you and your bike to the nearest refreshment station or the finish line where you may receive medical or mechanical assistance.

You can also call 08 8463 4760 for roadside pick-up during the ride.

Will there be places to stop and refresh along the ride?

Yes, there will be refreshment stations set up along the route where water, hydration products and toilets will be provided.

All riders must start the race with at least two 750ml water bottles and/or a hydration pack along with snacks for the ride.

Read the Westpac Challenge Tour Extreme Weather Plan

Download the Westpac Challenge Tour presented by The Advertiser's Extreme Weather Plan and Cancellation Policy here. 

Is there a phone number I can ring to talk directly to someone from Challenge Tour?

Call (08) 8463 4701 or contact the team at breakawayseries@sa.gov.au.