Cycling Australia

Santos Tour Down Under Race Director, Mike Turtur, confirmed Milram’s rider list today for January’s race in Adelaide.

“While it’s great to have the international cycling superstars racing in Adelaide, it is always nice to welcome home one of our own,” says Mike Turtur. “Luke Roberts has recently signed a deal with Milram which will see him back racing at an elite level in his hometown for the first time since 2008.”

Luke Roberts achieved Olympic glory with a track gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics in the team pursuit. Roberts has stage wins in the Santos Tour Down Under (2001), Rheinland-Pfalz Rundfahrt (2004), Drei-Länder Tour (2006) and the South African Giro del Capo (2008).

The experienced Milram roster for the Santos Tour Down Under will be led by Robert Förster, who has ridden the Tour de France three times (2005, 2007, 2008) and is described by his team as one of the best sprinters on the international cycling scene.

“Förster has had stage wins in the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a Espana and will be one to watch vying for Jayco Sprint points in January,” says Mike Turtur.

Joining Förster and Roberts on the team is Markus Fothen, one of the experienced pros in the peloton. The former U23 world time trial champion will bring more Grand Tour experience to the Santos Tour Down Under, having ridden the Tour de France for the past three years.

“Milram has selected a team with specialists in all areas. As a strong climber, Björn Schröder will be riding hard here to secure Škoda King of the Mountain points,” says Mike Turtur.

Milram’s team for the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by Team Manager, Vittoria Algeri (ITA) and include riders:

• Robert Förster (GER)
• Markus Fothen (GER)
• Artur Gajek (GER)
• Luke Roberts (AUS)
• Thomas Rohregger (GER)
• Björn Schröder (GER)
• Wim Stroetinga (NED)

More rider and team announcements will be issued over the coming weeks.

The 2010 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 17-24 January 2010.