It’s good weather, good roads and the racing is hard enough.” “I think a lot of riders enjoy starting their season down here. “This is one of my favorite races of the year because it’s so well organized,” said two-time defending champion Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott). It’s details like business-class flights that make the WorldTour opener one of the more popular races on the calendar. Not every far-flung race in the ever-more-international calendar provides business-class flights for racers, but the Tour Down Under does. Turtur, who is exiting as race director after founding the race in 1999, has been insistent that riders fly to Australia in business class. “We realize it’s not the easiest trip to make and we’re always thankful to see the world champion and the other top riders.” “We know it’s a long trip down here and it’s important for us that the riders are treated correctly,” said race director Mike Turtur. The soigneurs and journalists might be back in economy, but not the riders. One way the organization takes the edge off the long flight is to provide business-class flights for riders and sport directors. Race organizers are keenly aware how far away Australia is from the traditional hotbeds of cycling, and go out of their way to take the bite out of the long trip. That’s the case, of course, because it’s literally halfway around the world, where it’s summer down under when it’s in the throes of winter in Europe and North America. The Tour Down Under’s calling card is its warm summer weather and ideal racing conditions. If you only get here a few days before, you have to push everything.” “The trainers take that into account and we take it easy for three or four days before we do any intense training or long rides. “We all struggle with jet lag for a few days,” said Joey Rosskopf (CCC Team), who snagged the King of the Mountains jersey on stage 2, Wednesday. So how do the riders deal with the inevitable jet lag and fatigue, and still line up for the WorldTour season opener fresh and ready to perform at the Santos Tour Down Under? The answer - it takes some planning. It’s about 24 hours of travel time down to the antipodes from North America or Europe, plenty of time to binge-watch an entire season Game of Thrones on the flight. STIRLING, Australia (VN) - Anyone who’s flown to Australia knows it’s a long way from anywhere. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
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