Sun, sand, sea and cycles will be prominent features of the first stage of the 2001 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under, Tourism Minister Joan Hall revealed early July.

Event organisers have for the first time moved the first of the six stage race from the city to the popular seaside suburb of Glenelg.

"The first stage of the 2001 Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under is a twilight race and so what better backdrop than the sun setting over the sea in one of our most popular tourism precincts," Minister Hall says.

"In keeping with our aim of varying the race route each year, a number of other exciting components have been added to ensure that the 2001 Jacobs Creek Tour Down Under will once again delight the competitors and spectators alike."

The 757 km race will take place from the 16th to 21st January 2001 in the following areas:

Stage 1: Tuesday 16th January - Glenelg Street Race Stage 2: Wednesday 17th January - Norwood to Murray Bridge Stage 3: Thursday 18th January - McLaren Vale to Victor Harbor Stage 4: Friday 19th January - Unley to Strathalbyn Stage 5: Saturday 20th January - Gawler to Tanunda Stage 6: Sunday 21st January - City of Adelaide Circuit

In an exciting first, the South Eastern Freeway will be open to the cyclists with Stage 4 of the race incorporating not only the freeway but also the Heysen Tunnels.

"The colourful sight of over 100 cyclists travelling through this South Australian landmark will no doubt be a feature of the broad national and international television coverage that the event enjoys," Minister Hall says.

The Minister also announced that the Muscular Dystrophy Association will be the official charity for the 2001 event.

"The Jacobs Creek Tour Down Under is a community focused event, so the opportunity to support a local charity is an important aspect of the race.

For further information: www.tourdownunder.com.au