Prudhomme impressed

A lightning three-day visit by Tour de France race director Christian Prudhomme to South Australia this week has further guaranteed the future of the Tour Down Under.

Monsieur Prudhomme arrived at midday Wednesday and was immediately ushered from Adelaide International Airport directly to the stage two finish in Stirling where he was impressed with what he saw.

The excitement of the huge crowds that gathered under the South Australian summer sunshine, the infrastructure by the organisation and the quality of racing on the roads caught the TdF's highest honcho by surprise.

"This is bigger than many races in Europe and there are cartainly more people here than stage finishes at the Tour of California," Prudhomme said.

It was a glowing endorsment for Australia's only UCI World Tour event.

The main reason for Prudhomme's visit is to tap in on the TDU's television distribution to international markets.

In the not too distant future, the plan is to take the race to every corner of the globe through a variety of TV deals.

Ans at this time of year when the nothern hemisphere is in winter hibernation, there's nothing better for cycling-starved fans on the other side of the world than to sit in front of a fire on a couch and take in some quality competition.

This is a step in the right direction and virtually guarantees the growth of the Santos Tour Down Under.

The relationship SBS has enjoyed with Tour de France owners ASO has been rock-solid for 22 years, and although the network does not have the TV rights for the TDU in 2012, Prudhomme has always expessed his adoration for the network's coverage with international cycling.

Although the TdF is a major sporting event, Prudhomme appreciates how SBS complements the coverage as a "cultural experience".

It's no secret SBS has the Tour de France TV and online rights in Australia until 2017, and given the warm reunion between both parties at an exlcusive Adelaide restaurant last night, I'd be surprised if the "marriage made in TV heaven" didn't continue thereafter.

Twitter: @miketomalaris