Cadel Evans is joined by George Hincapie in Team BMC for his first Pro Tour race with the new team at the Tour Down Under.
Mike Turtur, race director of the Tour Down Under, “It is great for the race and for Australian cycling fans that Cadel will be returning to ride at the Santos Tour Down Under,”
“As the first ever Australian Road World Champion, Cadel will be wearing the Rainbow Jersey with pride as he competes in the first ProTour race of the season.
“Evans brings a wealth of experience in the Grand Tours to his new team and now as World Champion he’ll be primed and ready for the challenges of the 2010 cycling season.
“He has had a lot of success here before, winning the ?koda King of the Mountain Jersey twice, and it will be interesting to see him back tackling the climb at Old Willunga.”
Evans won’t be the only superstar lining up for Team BMC Racing, with veteran George Hincapie returning to Adelaide for his second appearance at the event.
“George Hincapie is one of the most recognised riders in the world, with Tour de France stage wins, national championships and professional victories to his credit. He is one of the most respected riders in the peloton,” says Mike Turtur.
“Hincapie has got an incredible list of cycling achievements and it’s an honour to host riders of his calibre in South Australia.”
Evans and Hincapie will be joined by Kroon, Kristoff and Santambrogio, all five of whom are new signings with Team BMC Racing for the 2010 season.
“As the first race of the season and with so many new riders, it will be interesting to see how they all work together to try to control the peloton,” says Mike Turtur.
Mauro Santambrogio joins BMC Team Racing in 2010 from the Lampre-N.G.C. team. He finished eighth overall at the 2009 Santos Tour Down Under.
Team BMC at the Tour Down Under
Cadel Evans (AUS)
George Hincapie (USA)
Karsten Kroon (NED)
Danilo Wyss (SUI)
Alexander Kristoff (NOR)
Mauro Santambrogio (ITA)
Thomas Frei (SUI)
