Team Sky have set out their intentions of another successful season by naming a strong side for the Santos Tour Down Under.
The Tour starts on January 21st with a 135km stage from Nuriootpa to Angaston and will have Team Sky fielding a team of seven riders which comprises of Welshman Geraint Thomas, who will captain the side.
Also in the team are Australian Richie Porte, Chris Sutton. Bernie Eisel, Luke Rowe and Ian Stannard whilst there is a debut for Irishman Philip Deignan.
Porte is one of the favourites for the race and told Team Sky's website: “I want to go to Tour Down Under and perform. “As an Aussie it’s the race to win.
“It used to be a sprinter’s race but now there are some good climbs in there like Corkscrew and Willunga. I’ve spent a bit of time in Adelaide so I know the climbs pretty well. I think if I’m in good form and we have a strong team there – if not me then through Geraint Thomas - we also have a really good chance. He was brilliant there last season so it should be an interesting race.
“It’s great that there’s interest from an Australian perspective with Cadel [Evans] starting his season there – myself, Simon Gerrans and guys like that. I’ve been in Australia for the last month and you can see how big cycling is getting. People are really taking an interest.”
Tour schedule
Stage 1 Tues Jan 21 - Nuriootpa - Angaston 135 km
Stage 2 Wed Jan 22 - Prospect - Stirling 150 km
Stage 3 Thur Jan 23 - Norwood - Campbelltown 145 km
Stage 4 Fri Jan 24 - Unley - Victor Harbor 148.5 km
Stage 5 Sat Jan 25 - McLaren Vale - Willunga Hill 151.5 km
Stage 6 Sun, Jan 26 - Adelaide 85.5 km