The Santos Tour Down Under has claimed a prestigious win at the Australian Event Awards in Sydney.

The week-long festival of cycling – which remains the only UCI World Tour event in the southern hemisphere – was last month named Best Sporting Event for 2013.

It is the second year running that the Santos Tour Down Under has won the category.

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the Santos Tour Down Under appealed to locals and visitors alike.

“This year we celebrated 15 years of the Santos Tour Down Under in South Australia, and 15 years of unforgettable cycling moments across the state,” he said.

“It’s an honour to receive recognition at the Australian Event Awards, and we thank the many people who contribute to the Santos Tour Down Under’s success.”

The 2013 Santos Tour Down Under had an economic impact of $43.6 million, with more than 760,400 people – including 40,000 from interstate and overseas – enjoying the event.

The event received a record 332 hours of national and international television coverage, and an estimated 50,000 people enjoyed the Adelaide City Council Tour Village and Bike Expo in Victoria Square.

Minister Bignell said the 2014 Santos Tour Down Under will start and finish on exciting new routes through the heart of Adelaide.

“Action will once again return to the beautiful regions South Australia is famous for, with Australia’s own Tour de France champion Cadel Evans among riders set to compete for the coveted Ochre Leader’s Jersey,” he said.

The Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 19-26 January 2014.

Visit www.tourdownunder.com.au for all event information.