Tour Down Under opening stage in doubt

The first stage of the Tour Down Under on Tuesday is under threat as bushfires rage through Eden Valley in South Australia. Tour Down Under race director Mike Turtur has confirmed he will take no risks in regards to the fires north of Adelaide, with Stage One set to run from Nuriootpa to Angaston in the Barossa Valley. The bushfire in the Eden Valley, just south of the Barossa Valley, has threatened to move north through Friday and Saturday, with Angaston potentially in its path if that occurs. Speaking at the Tour Down Under's pre-race press conference, Turtur declared he would have no hesitation to call off Stage One if experts and fire authorities believe the route would be too dangerous. "If it's a no-go zone for the Barossa, it's a no-go zone, it's as simple as that," the race director said. "It's possible that there will be a cancellation of the stage depending on the advice of the correct people. "We exist in a volatile environment with a climatic condition but fire has always been a big consideration for us but you just have to deal with the situation on its merits. A decision will be made by 5pm on Monday. "We will take advice from the South Australian police, country fire service and so on and make a decision." South Australia has been hit by searing temperatures in the lead-up to the Tour Down Under with bushfires threatening different parts of the state. In the 15-year history of the Tour Down Under, the race has never had a stage cancelled or changed. Turtur does not believe finding an alternative first stage or rearranging the tour's schedule would be possible at this stage. "When you're dealing with logistics of road racing, it's difficult just to redesign the stage on the run," he said.