Cheers to our Volunteers
An event as large and complex as the Santos Tour Down Under rolls on each year thanks to the many people who lend a hand. Their dedication and generosity help make this Australia’s greatest cycling race – one loved for both its festive spirit and comprehensive organisation. Now, in celebration of National Volunteer Week, we’re sharing their stories.
Nick Askew
Volunteering is a way of life for Nick, a member of South Australia’s State Emergency Service known for his capacity to help with any task. For the past 15 years he’s donated time to the Santos Tour Down Under, assisting with stage start set-up duties and moving event vehicles as needed. Nick was recognised with the event’s 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Award.
“He is reliable, hard-working and is appreciated by the other volunteers he works with. He has gone over the call of duty as a volunteer,” Nick’s anonymous nominator wrote in their submission.
“He is also a huge cycling fan, cyclist and has overcome obstacles, but always maintains his enthusiasm for the Tour Down Under.”
The Skinny Lattes
Members of this Adelaide-based women’s cycling club are longtime Santos Tour Down Under supporters, and some – like secretary Belinda Bramley – have helped out for an impressive 15 editions.
Skinny Lattes members provided team support in early years of the women’s race and continue to champion young riders. Members involved as traffic marshals sponsor emerging female cyclists, with stars including Annette Edmondson and Alex Manely among previous recipients of the Skinny Lattes Cycling Club Sponsorship Award.
Paul Menzel
Paul was presented with the Santos Tour Down Under’s Traffic Marshal Appreciation Award this year. His skills are many – from figuring out the best deviations to ensure fellow marshals safely and promptly reach their destinations to helping train new team members.
“Such a great team lead, coordinator, van driver, educator and supporter,” Paul’s nominee form read.
“Paul made every day work really well, keeping everyone comfortable and making it enjoyable for his van of marshals, even making the finish line on many days.”
Wayne Hooper and Libby Robertson
Talk about commitment! Wayne and Libby have been part of the Santos Tour Down Under’s traffic marshal team for 24 years – missing just one edition since the event began in 1999. That works out to around 190 days of service across nearly every TDU stage, a huge contribution to safety and success. This dedicated duo donates the stipend from marshalling duties to South Australian charity Operation Flinders.
Bob Koster
Adelaide man Bob Koster is among members of global non-profit organisation Kiwanis and another veteran from the Santos Tour Down Under’s group of traffic marshals. His role on the event has allowed Kiwanis to run a cinema day for disadvantaged children, and boosted programs offering literacy initiatives and food to families in need.
Greet Kempenaers
A positive attitude is crucial when volunteering – a particular strength for Greet. She’s been praised by peers for her welcoming and encouraging nature, confidence and capacity to persevere even when the summer heat is on!
Jean-Loius Gaillard
Jean-Louis was among volunteers at the very first Santos Tour Down Under back in 1999 and has since assisted across a further 15 editions.
“It has been a wonderful and enjoyable volunteering exercise,” he said.
“I enjoy the friendly relationship the TDU has with the community…I always enjoy riding a bike, and anything related with it. (I was) thrilled when the women were included in the TDU.”
Standout event memories for Jean-Louis include a chance meeting two years ago when the race passed through the Adelaide Hills town of Meadows.
“I gave a TDU cap to a small girl in front of her house, and the mum came out and offered freshly baked scones with jam and cream,” he said.
Just reward for someone who so generously helps make this major international event a success.
The Santos Tour Down Under thanks all past and present event volunteers for their time and service. If you'd like to volunteer at the Santos Tour Down Under, you can complete our expressions of interest form.
