Mark Cavendish added to thrilling line-up at 2011 Santos Tour Down Under
HTC-Columbia rider Mark Cavendish is set to make his first appearance in the Santos Tour Down Under in January.
Cavendish, a renowned sprinter with 23 stage wins on the Grand Tour to his name, will face former team-mate Andre Greipel in the Australian race, which has a flat route known to favour sprinters through the years.
The race will be Cavendish and Greipel's first encounter since the latter left HTC-Columbia to join Omega Pharma-Lotto for the 2011 season.
"It's great that I'll be starting my season at the Santos Tour Down Under," Cavendish said.
The Manxman's last appearance in Australia came in October, when his Tour de France nemesis Thor Hushovd claimed the World Road Race Championship title as Cavendish failed to make an impact.
"I have been to Australia six or seven times and I love going there. After spending time again there recently at world championships, I'm eager to get back there for some more racing."
Team manager Rolf Aldag confirmed that HTC-Columbia, due to be called HTC-Highroad in 2011, said his team has set its ambitions high for the event, which starts in Adelaide on 18 January.
"We will start with a very strong roster and we want to target GC and stage wins," Aldag told reporters after announcing a roster that also includes Bernhard Eisel, Matthew Goss, Hayden Roulston, Mark Renshaw, Danny Pate and Bert Grabsch.
"We have proven that this is possible and everybody knows of the importance of the race," Aldag continued. "The organisation is perfect, with big support from the local crowd and we are looking forward to start our racing there."
After the American outfit's roster was announced, race director Mike Turtur said the strong line-up of sprinters would delight spectators.
"It's going to be great to watch Cavendish and Greipel go head-to-head in Adelaide. They are superb sprinters and it will be fascinating to see who will come out on top," Turtur commented.
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