Tour Down Under cyclists describe race through fire-affected SA as ‘haunting’

Former Tour Down Under race winner Patrick Jonker says cyclists have described stages through fire-affected regions as "haunting" as competitors cycled through parts of the Adelaide Hills. "The riders were commenting there were no sounds of birdlife - it was an eerie feeling," he said. "Charred ground; all the trees were burnt. It was so quiet. Riders said all they could hear were the sounds of their tires. "The race has always been about supporting the race and the local communities to bring some money back into the businesses who could suffer for a long time," Mr Jonker said. Australian Caleb Ewan took out the 152km Stage Four - the longest of this year's race. Fellow Aussie Richie Porte retained the leader's ochre jersey. Image: News Corp Australia

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