Australia’s premier international cycling race, the Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under continued to ride high as 2004 drew to a close on the back of receiving its second award within just six weeks.

Australian Major Events was extremely pleased to accept the South Australia (SA) Great Award for Tourism, viewing it as recognition by the State of South Australia of the importance of major events as tourism attractions.

This follows the win by the event in the South Australian Tourism Awards in the category of Major Events. These awards recognise that it is not only the cyclists who are triumphant.

The SA Great Awards encourage and pay tribute to the talent within South Australia so that recognition of achievement remains an integral part of State development.

Leeanne Grantham, General Manager: Australian Major Events said: "National and international interest in the Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under continues to grow from year to year, with research confirming that the 2003 event attracted more than 10 800 visitors. These two awards cement and represent the next significant phase in the event’s growth and stamps further authority on its reputation as a tourism icon.

"We want to build on this success and this month we are confident of bringing the best ever Tour to town." There will be an increased number of recreational events allowing more amateur cyclists and cycling enthusiasts to participate

The Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under is an internationally accredited race, endorsed by the world cycling federation, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), generating a total net economic benefit of $12.5 million and the equivalent of 207 full time jobs in South Australia.

With just days until the first rider touches down in Adelaide, excitement is building for a great start to 2005.

The Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under will be held from 18 - 23 January 2005 at various locations around South Australia and is owned and managed by Australian Major Events, a division of the South Australian Tourism Commission.