One of the most aggressive riders in cycling, Thomas Voeckler, will head the Europcar team in the Santos Tour Down Under when it starts in three weeks’ time.
The former Tour de France race leader and multiple stage winner has been confirmed as leading the French WorldTour squad in the race and is almost certain to liven the race up with attacks.
Voeckler had a somewhat quiet season in 2013 and is determined to get back on track in the season ahead. Santos Tour Down Under race director Mike Turtur believes he will be a prominent contender.
“Thomas Voeckler is one of the greatest French cyclists of his generation so we are thrilled he is making not only his debut at the Santos Tour Down Under but also his racing debut in Australia,” he stated.
“Voeckler’s climbing abilities make him especially suited to the 2014 route. He could be a strong contender for the Ochre Jersey.
“Having worn the Yellow Jersey at the Tour de France on two occasions and finishing fourth in 2011, Voeckler is an icon of the sport and I expect we will see a number of French flags throughout the race.”
The 34 year old Frenchman will be joined by the 2013 Tour de Luxembourg mountains classification victor Bjorn Thurau of Germany, the former Japanese road race champion Yukiya Arashiro plus the French quartet of Perrig Quemeneur, Kévin Reza, Jérome Cousin and Angélo Tulik.
“This may be Europcar’s first year as a UCI Pro Tour team but they are bringing a strong lineup to Adelaide and we can expect plenty of attacking from them,” predicted Turtur.
The programme of racing begins with the People’s Choice Classic in Adelaide on January 19th. The WorldTour event then starts on January 21st with a 135 kilometre race from Nuriootpa to Angaston. Subsequent finishes will take place in Stirling, Campbelltown, Victor Harbor, Willunga Hill and Adelaide.
Former Tour de France winner Cadel Evans is amongst the strong field confirmed as taking part.
Europcar for Santos Tour Down Under:
Thomas Voeckler (France)
Perrig Quemeneur (France)
Kévin Reza (France)
Jérome Cousin (France)
Angélo Tulik (France)
Yukiya Arashiro (Japan)
Bjorn Thurau (Germany)
Stage details:
Sunday 19 January: People’s Choice Classic, Adelaide (50km)
Monday 20 January: Rest day
Tuesday 21 January: Stage 1, Nuriootpa to Angaston (135km)
Wednesday 22 January: BikeExchange.com.au Stage 2, Prospect to Stirling (150km)
Thursday 23 January: Stage 3, Norwood to Campbelltown (145km)
Friday 24 January: Bupa Stage 4, Unley to Victor Harbor (148.5km)
Saturday 25 January: Stage 5, McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill (151.5km)
Sunday 26 January: Stage 6, Adelaide (95km)