The ensemble celebrates the Tour Down Under coming to the Clare and Gilbert Valleys and Whippet owners Veronica and Peter Eaton’s support of the event by becoming the region’s Platinum Sponsors through their business Expanda Stand.

“We saw it as an opportunity, because were are an international business and sell our products in many countries of the world,” Mr Eaton said.

“To us the Tour Down Under is a world-wide event and an excellent opportunity for us to expose our business in an unusual way by using our vehicles.”

Mr Eaton said he was inspired by the event but also saw it as an opportunity for the district to become inventive in the way it promoted itself.

The Eatons’ $15,000 sponsorship deal will help support the event when it comes to the valleys in January 2010.

The Clare and Gilbert Valleys council, which is hosting the event in the region is seeking more sponsorship support at Gold (10 packages available at $5000 each), Silver (15 at $2500) and Bronze.

Clare will host the start of the first leg of the race on Tuesday, January 19, with cyclists racing through Watervale, Auburn, Saddleworth, Riverton and Tarlee.