Heat puts brakes on Bupa Challenge at TDU
The extreme heat in South Australia means the Bupa Challenge at the Tour Down Under has to be cancelled.
Santos Tour Down Under, race organisers have made the decision to cancel the 2018 Bupa Challenge Tour presented by The Advertiser due to extreme weather conditions in line with the ride’s Extreme Weather Safety Plan.
Event organisers wish to advise all registered participants and the public of the decision which was made in conjunction with emergency services agencies.
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.”
Jane Power, Bupa Australia's Chief Marketing & Customer Officer, backs the decision saying safety is the main priority.
“As a health and care company, we support the decision to cancel the Bupa Challenge due to the extreme heat,” Ms Power said.
We know how much effort goes into preparing for these events. Just like our customers, our Bupa team looks forward to these events all year, but nothing is more important than the health and safety of our riders. Heat can have very serious health impacts and needs to be respected.
Information for participants and Bupa members
As you know, tomorrow’s Bupa Challenge Tour has been cancelled due to extreme weather. We understand the amount of preparation that goes into training for an event like this, but your safety is our biggest priority. Our activities at the Finish Line and the Tour Village will continue tomorrow, we’d love to see you there. As a valued member, you can show this text message to our Bupa Team at the Uraidla Finish Line or Vic Square Tour Village to pick up a complimentary Events Cinema voucher -numbers are limited. Drop past our Bupa tent at the Uraidla finish line on the day to see when legendary rider, Jens Voigt will be signing BCT jerseys.
Take care, Bupa
Changes to the stage
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.
The 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 www.tourdownunder.com.au.
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