Cycling event 'to boost Aussie tourism'

A south Australian tourism group has celebrated the fact that a national cycling event has been awarded ProTour status, claiming that it will boost tourism.

ProTour class is the highest status that a cycling event can be awarded and the Tour Down Under is the first race outside of Europe to receive the certification.

The event, which will take place in Adelaide between January 20th and 27th 2008, is now expected to attract some of the world's top teams and riders.

Neil Saunders of the South Australian Tourism Commission said: "We in the south Australian tourism industry are overjoyed at this sought-after news since the touring nature of Tour Down Under showcases many of our state's premier holiday locations, as well as our cosmopolitan city of Adelaide.

"Pro Tour status will give us access to a larger audience worldwide - that is to say seven days of continuous coverage for the key attractions of our beautiful state."

It is predicted that the 2008 event will bring a 60 per cent increase in overseas and interstate tourists to Adelaide.

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