TDU: We Salute Mike Turtur
PERHAPS THE ONLY THING MORE COLOURFUL THAN Mike Turtur’s time in charge of Australia’s premier bike race, is the gloriously candid way he reflects on the past 22 years. Get him started and the stories come flying out faster than Andre Greipel at Victor Harbour. But all great rides come to an end and for the former Olympic and Commonwealth Champion that will happen when the 2020 Tour Down Under draws to close on the summit of Willunga Hill. Turtur’s final race day in charge also happens to be Sunday January 26, Australia Day, which seems entirely fitting, for surely few recent figures have been more influential in shaping Australia’s place on the world cycling stage than the proud South Australian.
PETER MANIATY: MIKE TURTUR, YOU’VE BEEN RUNNING THE TDU SINCE 1999, THE ONLY RACE DIRECTOR IT’S EVER KNOWN. THAT’S A LONG INNINGS.
MIKE TURTUR: It’s a bloody long time. Back then I was hoping maybe one or two years would be good, and here we are celebrating the 22nd event in 2020. It’s something I never expected, it’s been a terrific ride.
PM: WHAT WAS THE GOAL IN THAT FIRST YEAR?
MT: No-one could predict what was
