TDU Stage One and Brighton

For the first stage of the Tour Down Under, we found a point on the course where the cyclists were due to come past three times and settled into our deck chairs to await their arrival.

We were on a bit of a hill, so we got to see them climb past in a whir of colour each time, before we continued our relaxing.

Lotto Belisol controlling the peleton to set up stage winner Andre Greipel

Ian Stannard and Bernhard Eisel among the Sky Boys

Former British road race champion, Geraint Thomas

The race finished in Lobethal where Andre Greipel won the sprint finish to equal former Australian champion Robbie McEwen's record of 12 Tour Down Under stage wins.

Andre Greipel on the podium

After watching the cycling, we headed out to Brighton Beach for fish and chips. Yes, they have a pier (or at least, a jetty).

They also have a sculpture competition, which is an initiative of the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club. The idea is to combine art and sport by holding a sculpture competition and the Brighton Jetty Classic Swim. The scultpures are made from multi media compositions i.e. wood, wire, glass, metals, stone, clay, plastics, cement etc. Here are some of them:

Asphodelus by Leith Elder

Sphere 2012 by Rod Manning (Outdoor Runner Up )

Everlasting by Lindsay Butcher

It's all about the journey by Dylan Harris

Empty Vessel 2 by Astra Parker



Stand Up by Trent Manning



Rock Bottom Riser by Nicholas Uhlmann



Wave of the Day by Chris Murphy (Outdoor Winner)