UniSA-Australia team announced for TDU

The UniSA-Australia team for the 2012 Tour Down Under features some of the young guns of Australian road cycling.

South Australian Rohan Dennis returns to the team along with Steele Van Hoff, Jay McCarthy, Lachlan Norris and Tom Palmer, all young riders wanting to make an impression.

Race director Mike Turtur said it was great to see young local talent in this year’s race.

“There is no better feeling for a cyclist then racing at the highest level in his own country. We look forward to seeing them perform after being awarded such a fantastic opportunity,” Turtur said.

Graham Fredericks, Cycling Australia’s chief executive, believes this is an outstanding opportunity for talented Australian riders to show what they’re made of.

“The WorldTour is the pinnacle for professional cyclists and we’re pleased to have a national team flying the flag for Australia,” Fredericks said.

“Australia continues to punch well above its weight on the world stage and this is a chance for some of our talented younger riders to continue the tradition.”

The final two riders for the UniSA – Australia team will be selected after the 2012 Mars Cycling Australia National Road Championships (5 – 10 January 2012 in Ballarat, Victoria).

UniSA – Australia team: Steele Van Hoff (VIC), Jay McCarthy (QLD), Rohan Dennis (SA), Lachlan Norris (WA) and Tom Palmer (NSW). Team manager David Saunders (Aus).

The 2012 Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 15-22 January 2012. Keep up to date with the race live every day via the Cycling Central website.