Luke Durbridge ruled out of the Down Under Classic but hopeful to return at the Santos Tour 2012
All eyes are on GreenEdge as the team is all set to make its World Tour debut at the Santos Tour Down Under 2012.
The Australian side had to face disappointment after its star rider, Luke Durbridge, was pulled out of Down Under Classic in Adelaide because of a head injury. Down Under Classic is an off street race held two days before the Santos Tour.
The Santos Tour Down Under 2012 is scheduled from January 17-22, 2012. It will be a historical day for Australian cycling as GreenEdge is the first Australian squad to be given the WorldTour license.
Robbie McEwen, Stuart O’Grady, Simon Gerrans, Leigh Howard, Matt Goss, Simon Gerrans and Jack Bobridge were initially named for the coming event. Durbridge was also included on the list but only as a replacement for Jack Bobridge.
Jack injured his hand during the national time trial championship and has now been ruled out of the Tour Down Under 2012.
His exclusion opened the door for the young sprinter and it is believed that Durbridge will recover in time to start the race on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old joined the Australian squad in 2012 after spending a period of two years (2010-11) with Team Jayco-Skins.
He won the Australian National Time Trial Championships 2012 and also has two gold and one silver medal under his belt.
Team Director, Matt White stated, "He should be fine, (but) we'll let the doctors make that decision, the main thing is he's alright".
Shayne Bannan is hopeful for his side as he briefed, “We'll have a good chance of being up there in the sprints, but with the new stage finish on Old Willunga Hill, we also come prepared for a different style of racing”.
His main target for the coming year is grand tours and the World Tour license means that the side has automatically been invited to all the major cycling events for the 2012 season.
Bannan disclosed that his main expectations are from the GC contenders as the team has spent a lot to ensure that it has the top podium finishers for the stage races.
It is certainly a big moment for Australian cycling and especially for Team GreenEdge. Its riders will receive immense support from the crowd which will be a huge motivating factor for the side.
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