Turtur says Tour a success despite heat

Despite the second-worst heatwave in Tour Down Under history, race director Mike Turtur has hailed the 20th edition a success.

Crowds were down on previous years and two community rides were cancelled, plus stage three was shortened because of the 40-plus conditions last Thursday and Friday.

Turtur said from a cycling point of view, every stage had something to offer.

There were multiple stage winners, plus Daryl Impey and Richie Porte were tied at the top of the overall standings, with Impey winning on a countback.

Another positive was the state government announcing equal prizemoney for the women's tour, which is held in the lead-up to the men's race.

"All-in-all, I don't think you could say anything apart from the weather, which we can't control," Turtur said.

The race ended on Sunday and Turtur said it was an arduous week, with some riders complaining about the extreme conditions.

"I wouldn't go to a bike race in 42 degree heat if I didn't have to," Turtur said.

The Adelaide Hills town of Uraidla hosted a stage finish for the first time on Friday and local businesses took a hit because of the heat.

But Turtur said the day was still a success for the town.

"What do they say, what you lose on the hurdy gurdy you pick up on the merry go round? We'll see," he said.

Turtur has said repeatedly he does not want the race date changed, regardless of the weather.

"I've been watching the weather forecast for the last month. It drives me insane," he said.

"January is our time. We want to be the first race on the calendar and it has huge benefits for us ... everything is brand new.

"We just have to gamble with the weather ... I will take it, it's a good time of year to have the race."

The Tour was Turtur's brainchild and he is the only race director.

He is unsure how long that tenure will continue, but he is contracted for next year.

Turtur also would not go into any detail on potential course changes or features for next year.

The Tour is looking at having a team time trial stage for the first time, but Turtur thinks that is unlikely for next year.

And Turtur has again scotched speculation that Victoria might try to poach the race.

"We own the race - as long as the government of the day want to stage the race, it's their choice," he said.