Hometown hero inspires pedal power at iconic cycling event

More than 7,000 amateur cyclists will inundate the roads around Adelaide on Friday 20 January in the Bupa Challenge Tour (previously Mutual Community Challenge Tour) – one of Australia’s largest amateur cycling events.

And for many of the participants, it will take true grit and determination to complete the same course as the professional riders in the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under.

These fighting qualities are typified by Amber Halliday, Bupa’s Ambassador and former World Champion rower turned elite cyclist.

“As a South Australian, I know how much our city loves cycling – in fact you’d be hard pressed to find a road that doesn’t have a cyclist on it nowadays,” Halliday said.

“Cycling provides so many significant health and social benefits, and it’s great to see so many people taking part in an event which offers a challenge for every bike rider, no matter what your fitness level.

“For me, it’s particularly inspiring to see the increasing number of women who are participating in the event, and I hope that women draw inspiration from both the elite men and women cyclists they see here this week.

“With the Challenge Tour getting bigger every year, it’s becoming more important to be aware of the other cyclists around you. Take note of your speed – if you’re going a bit slower, keep to the left so that faster cyclists can safely pass you on your right.

“I’m very keen to see everyone cross that finish line safely and I wish each participant the best of luck – enjoy every minute.”

Similarly, Bupa’s Dietitian Gemma Cosgriff provided the following nutritional tips for race-day success:

• Say ‘Hi to Hydration’: Fluid intake is often limited to how much you can store on your bike. Drink plenty of water in the lead up and fill up your bottle at appropriate stops along the way.
• Top-up time: Make sure you have a carbohydrate-rich meal or snack before the event– time it one to four hours prior to start time, and ideally ensure it’s something you’ve practised in training.
• Aim for the rainbow: Vitamins and minerals are essential to the way our body functions. The more colours of fruit and veg you eat, the more variety in nutrients you’re offering your body!
• Compact foods: Keep energy-dense, low-fibre options, such as lollies and sports bars, in your back pockets to get the kilojoules in while keeping the gut happy.
•  The good salt: Replace lost fluid and salts through sweat with an electrolyte drink, or choose sport foods which have electrolytes added to them.

Bupa, a leading healthcare organisation in Australia, is committed to improving Australians’ health and wellbeing. For further information, including tips and advice for nutrition and fitness, please visit www.bupa.com.au

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Notes to Editor:

As part of its ongoing commitment to a healthier community, Mutual Community has been a sponsor of the Mutual Community Challenge Tour since its inception in 2005, and has supported the Santos Tour Down Under since 1999. Mutual Community commenced trading as Bupa on, Monday 14 November 2011.

Official Charity Partner

Cancer Council SA, the official Charity Partner of the Santos Tour Down Under is encouraging participants in the Bupa Challenge Tour to Ride for a Reason and dedicate their ride to someone they know who has had or is currently battling cancer and raise funds to support Cancer Council's critical cancer research. Read more about Cancer Council SA and Ride for a Reason.

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