Tour Down Under: Team Sky without Cavendish

The Sky Pro cycling has announced a team of riders for the ‘Tour Down Under’ in January. The Sky team has an impressive line-up of strong and highly experienced riders but will be seen without newly-signed ace Mark Cavendish.

Cavendish, the 2011 world champion, joined the Sky team after HTC-Highroad folded, but has not been included in the team for the 2012 Tour Down Under, although the team has Michael Rogers, the 2002 overall winner of Tour Down Under.

The Tour Down Under will run in 6 stages from 17-22 January in and around Adelaide and South Australia.

Team Sky Tour Down Under Squad:

Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR)Geraint Thomas (GBR)Christopher Sutton (AUS)Alex Dowsett (GBR)Michael Rogers (AUS)Danny Pate (USA)Mathew Hayman (AUS)

Mick Rogers was struggling with his illness for most of this year but is now highly motivated for the nation’s event. Christopher Sutton is in good form after the Bay Crits and the National Championships to his name and will be well up for getting some sprint wins for the team Sky.

Sean Yates, Sports Director of the Team Sky Pro Cycling, said in a press release;

“We won’t be putting any pressure on Edvald and G though – they’ll be there primarily to work for the team – although if any chances come their way I’m sure they’ll be looking to take them. As a team we are big fans of the Tour Down Under. We’ve had fantastic starts to our seasons here over the last two years and we’ll be looking to keep that run going. It’s a World Tour event and that offers a great opportunity to get some early points in the bag and hopefully set the scene for the rest for the season.”

Mike Turtur, the Tour Down Under director, said:

“We are really excited about the inclusion of Edvald Boasson Hagen in the team. He is the current Norwegian National Time Trial Champion for the fifth year running and a two time Tour de France stage winner. He is fiercely competitive, young and hungry for a win.”