The Santos Festival of Cycling today confirmed it will move its festival hub, the City of Adelaide Festival Village, away from Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi, to support SA Health's COVID response efforts.
The decision was made following discussions with SA Health and understanding the peak of the Omicron breakout in South Australia is likely to come at the back end of January.
The City of Adelaide Festival Village will relocate from Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi to Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga for one action-packed day and evening on Wednesday 26 January.
Executive Director, Events South Australia, Hitaf Rasheed said the team were confident fans will enjoy all the activity of The City of Adelaide Festival Village.
"As always, the health, safety and wellbeing of the people of South Australia is our priority. In the planning of the event all parties were comfortable that Victoria Park could be utilised for the Festival. We understand the importance of the Victoria Park testing site, and support SA Health as their need for the precinct has evolved with the Omicron COVID-19 variant. The safety and service to South Australians will take priority, and therefore, we agreed to change our program accordingly.
"Covid has taught us is to be nimble and to consider scenarios. Our talented team have done that. The relocation of The City of Adelaide Festival Village to Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga will support SA Health, while still delivering an event for fans to enjoy," said Ms Rasheed.
"The new location - well known to Santos Tour Down Under cycling fans - was chosen for its central access, and abundance of open space so visitors can disperse around the track and also enjoy the activity in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga," concluded Ms Rasheed.
The City of Adelaide Festival Village at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga will be an attractive feature as part of the 2022 Program, with great cycling action - including the TREK Night Riders Criterium for both men and women and Santos Paracycling Relay - associated family-friendly activities, local food and drink vendors, and a relaxing and safe outdoor environment atmosphere.
"At this stage there are no further changes to the program, however as always, we will remain agile, working closely with SA Health, SAPOL and event partners, to ensure the delivery of a successful and safe event," added Ms Rasheed.
Highlights of the Santos Festival of Cycling outside of the 26 January activity include a 3-stage Men's and Women's National Road Series Race from 23-29 January, the Adelaide Track League at Adelaide Superdrome and the first two rounds of the AusCycling BMX National Cup at the brand-new Sam Willoughby BMX Track.
The full event schedule and program, plus festival events and ticketing information can be found at tourdownunder.com.au. Fans are encouraged to visit the website regularly for the latest information and any changes.
Explore the Santos Festival of Cycling program at www.tourdownunder.com.au.
