As images of its new jersey are unveiled on the internet, the Vacansoleil team is set to release the names of the riders who will compete in the first World Tour event of the year, the Santos Tour Down Under. One is however known; the Dutch sprinter Kenny Van Hummel will make his Vacansoleil debut there after six seasons with the Skil-Shimano formation, and will race with ambition in the event.
“My first race in the jersey of Vacansoleil-DCM will be the Tour Down Under in Australia,” he revealed today on his personal blog. “I’ve never ridden this WorldTour race and I look forward to the start of the season, with my new team and in a new race.
Van Hummel had a very successful end to the season, picking up three stage wins in the Tour of Hainan in China. He was also second, second, fifth and sixth on other stages, showing fine form.
“I get motivation this winter to resume the training from the fact that I was able to finish the 2011 season well,” he stated. “After winning in my last race, I could go into the winter with a better feeling.”
Because of this, he is eager to start racing early on by riding the Santos Tour Down Under. While there is a summit finish at Willunga Hill which will likely be his undoing as regards the general classification, he will have opportunity on other stages to try to chase a stage win.
“During this race I expected results, especially in cooperation with the guys from the new team. We are looking for success and t hat gives me a huge energy boost!”
The Australian fixture means that he will be forced to miss out in racing in the Six Days of Rotterdam. The Santos Tour Down Under runs from January 15th to 22nd, while the Rotterdam race takes place between the fifth and tenth of the month. Riders and teams must head to Australia early in order to ensure they are fully over jet lag and acclimatised before the race starts.
Vacansoleil DCM has indicated that the remainder of the lineup for the race will be released shortly. As the photo above shows, they will have a changed look for 2012, with this year’s jersey being modified to include more white.
The garment also bears the Bianchi logo, with the Italian brand replacing Ridley as the bike supplier. It was ‘leaked’ prior to the official presentation by one of the team’s equipment suppliers, FFWD Wheels.