Report: Team Sky
Team Sky will kick off their 2013 campaign with a strong squad heading to the season-opening Tour Down Under, which includes Wales' Luke Rowe and Geraint Thomas.
The Adelaide-based event will once again be comprised of six stages, running between January 22-27, with the People’s Choice Classic criterium acting as a precursor to the action on Sunday 20 January.
Representing the team at a race that has traditionally been a successful one for Team Sky is a squad with an eye on next year’s Spring Classics.
Luke Rowe at the 2012 Tour of Oman
Edvald Boasson Hagen returns to Australia looking to improve on seventh place in 2012 and, alongside former stage winner Chris Sutton, will head up the team’s sprint ambitions.
Experienced hand Mathew Hayman will be an assured presence in the role of road captain next to Bernhard Eisel, while a trio of Brits in Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Geraint Thomas round out the seven-man line-up. Kurt-Asle Arvesen meanwhile, will be calling the shots from the team car.
The race holds special memories for the squad, with the opening criterium in 2010 providing Team Sky with their first-ever victory in their very first appearance.
Viewers in the UK can catch live coverage of all six stages on Sky Sports HD during the race.
