An Australian tourism association has welcomed the award of ProTour status to a cycling event in the country, saying that it will boost foreign visitor numbers.

The Tour Down Under, Australia's premier cycling race, was lifted onto the sport's world stage when it was awarded ProTour standing in Germany this week.

This is the first time that an event outside of Europe has been given the status.

More top teams and riders from around the world, including some who take part in other Pro Tour events like the Tour de France, will now compete in the Australian contest.

Neil Saunders, the South Australian Tourism Commission's marketing manager for the UK, said: 'We in the south Australian tourism industry are overjoyed at this sought-after news since the touring nature of Tour Down Under showcases many of our state's premier holiday locations, as well as our cosmopolitan city of Adelaide.

'Pro Tour status will give us access to a larger audience worldwide - that is to say seven days of continuous coverage for the key attractions of our beautiful state.'

The Tour Down Under begins in Adelaide on 20 January and reaches its climax on 27 January.

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Source :- opodo