Current cycling world champion Peter Sagan has been locked in for the Tour Down Under in Adelaide in January when the Slovakian star will make his first appearance at the race since 2010.
Sagan will lead his new team Bora-Hansgrohe for the first time in the South Australian race which also opens the World Tour calendar.
The 26-year-old says he's excited to return to Australia for a race that holds a special place in his heart.
"I first took part in 2010 in what was my maiden World Tour race and I still remember the excitement and anxiety on the start line of the first stage in Clare," Sagan said.
"Returning, after seven years, to the race that set off my professional career is a great feeling."
Since his last race in Adelaide, Sagan has become one of the most dominant riders in the professional peloton with 11 grand tour stage wins to his name.
He has also starred in the one-day classics in 2016 winning both the Tour of Flanders and Gent-Wevelgem.
Tour Down Under director Mike Turtur says Sagan will bring something special to the 19th edition of the race which runs from January 17-22.
