The Tour Down Under continues to swelter...

For those of you who find cycle racing tedious (philistines!) then read no more. However, for devotees like Kate, Kim and me it is magic and we were there at the final stage of the Tour Down Under: the 90km Criterium that sweeps around the centre of Adelaide.

Unfortunately, the temperature was already climbing into the high thirties (expected max. 43) as we drove to Adelaide in the stifling heat that never let up all day. Once in the city, we strolled along the roadside trying to find some shade and positioning ourselves for the first glimpse of the riders: this is always tremendously exciting. And here they come.....

And then closer,

and then they tackle the bend.

There were 20 laps in all, so we took it easy and watched on the big screen for a bit, then resumed our spot at the barrier. The peloton is strung out a little now and the riders are so close to us. Everyone is cheering and clapping as they speed past.

The heat was really getting to us so we had to stop for a cool milkshake and fizzy drinks. As an aside here: Kate gave her water bottle to an elderly lady who was just about to collapse in the heat. A security guard came and called an ambulance, but the woman gratefully accepted and demolished Kate's water. We were amazed at the lack of consideration the organisers gave to the public in response to this appalling heat. There were no places to refill water bottles,  no shade in the 'village' apart from a few sails in one small area, and no stalls selling drinks along the route; in addition, many cafes in the city were closed - did they think spectators wouldn't eat or drink???

The cyclists took care of themselves with drinks...

and food...

Here a rider is having a bit of a stretch by crouching down, though he doesn't seem very comfortable to me.

While this rider is keeping his cool and looks so at ease.

Round and round the route they went. It doesn't look like it in this photo but they are going really fast. I couldn't recognise anyone at the speed they were going.

I like this next photo: two riders at the front are chatting; one behind is crouching; one on the right further back is going into his jersey pouch for food. 

I wonder what they were talking about?

Eventually, there were only two laps to go... then one ... and excitement mounted. We watched as they came down the last stretch as they were sorting themselves out for the final sprint, though they still had a while to go here. 

But everyone started positioning themselves.

Just as they rounded the last bend near where we were standing, four riders crashed, but no-one was hurt - probably more annoyed and embarrassed as they quickly sorted their bikes out and rejoined the race!

Then I abandoned my camera to the cheers, cow-bell ringing and clapping as we followed the sprint on the big screen. In a flash it was all over. Kate and Kim were dropped off at the airport and I drove back to the relative cool of Encounter Bay. The Tour Down Under done for another year.