Tour Down Under shows fire-ravaged Adelaide Hills to the world

The scorched earth left by the recent South Australian bushfires was brought back to life today by the Tour Down Under.

The world's best cyclists weaved their way through the bushfire-ravaged Adelaide Hills in the first stage of the race.

At the Tanunda start line, the fan-favourite was obvious, with crowds cheering retiring great Cadel Evans.

Evans said he was aiming to enjoy the race.

“Everyone's been very supportive of me so can't complain about that,” he said.

Local boy Jack Bobridge won the opening stage of the race, as the cyclists lapped the Barossa wine region twice before heading into the fire-ravaged hills.

The publicity given to the area has also resulted in a surge of donations to the Country Fire Service.