The Australian oil and gas company will now lend its name to the opening event of the UCI WorldTour calendar until at least 2016. The 2012 edition of the Tour Down Under concluded in Adelaide on Sunday with local star Simon Gerrans claiming victory for fledgling Australian team GreenEDGE.

“This is fantastic news for the State and it shows the confidence Santos has in the event,” said South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill. “The race is now truly established on the world stage, kicking off the annual UCI WorldTour calendar and attracting the best teams and riders to Adelaide each January. The Santos Tour Down Under is the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere and the news that our successful partnership will continue ensures this event can continue its impressive growth.”

Santos CEO David Knox added: “I’m extremely pleased that we will continue our association with the Santos Tour Down Under, an event that brings a tremendous amount of energy, vibrancy and pride to South Australia. Its global popularity and the elite cyclists that it attracts are hallmarks of its success and will ensure it remains a wonderful showcase for Australia on the world stage.”