Take a Joy Ride Over the Santos Tour Down Under

Spectators at the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under can experience a birds-eye-view of the peloton as it makes its way through some of the State's most picturesque regions.

For the first time in the event's 14 year history, cycling fans will be able to see the race from the vantage point of a helicopter.

The Santos Tour Down Under official helicopter provider Heliexperiences will offer 15 minute joy flights throughout the event so cycling fans can see the race from a different perspective, both in Adelaide and along the race route in regional South Australia.

Joy flights will be available to cycling fans in Adelaide as well as at Kapunda, Clare, Lobethal, Stirling, Aldinga, Mt Compass, Victor Harbor, Mt Pleasant, Tanunda and on Old Willunga Hill.

The Santos Tour Down Under takes in some of South Australia's most stunning landscapes and well-known wine regions, making a helicopter flight the ultimate way to view the race.

Helicopters will be based at key strategic locations throughout the course. Once the peloton has ridden through each location, the helicopters fly ahead to the next landing spot and commence their flights again.

Other unique helicopter experiences available at the Santos Tour Down Under include following the peloton, private charters and city and race transfers.

Helicopter packages start from $199 a person for a 15 minute joy flight. Bookings are essential and can be made by visiting www.tourdownunderhelicopters.com.au

Heliexperiences' Director and Chief Pilot, Guy Maine, said this would be the first time single ticket joy flights were available in both Adelaide and the country towns visited by the Santos Tour Down Under.

"We are excited about our involvement in the Santos Tour Down Under and our first foray into the South Australian market. We urge people to book early to avoid disappointment as joy flights will be limited to certain times and dates based on the Santos Tour Down Under race schedule," he said.

"I expect for many of these communities this will be the first time they have been offered a joy flight in a helicopter around their town. Not only will it be exciting to see their local area, but also with the added benefit of seeing the bike race from the sky, this will be a memorable moment for many."

Santos Tour Down Under Race Director, Mike Turtur, said the helicopter joy flights added another dimension to the spectator experience at the Santos Tour Down Under.

"It is hard to imagine a better way to watch an international sporting event than hovering above the action as it unfolds," Turtur said.

Heliexperiences is Melbourne and Sydney's number one joy flight provider. For bookings and more information visit www.tourdownunderhelicopters.com.au
The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 15-22 January 2012. For more information, race routes and results visit the official website at www.tourdownunder.com.au

Media who wish to cover the event must apply for accreditation. Please go to the media information section for details of how to apply. The application period will close on 9 December 2011.