Stuart O’Grady confirmed on December 23 that he will compete at the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under in Adelaide.
“As the inaugural Santos Tour Down Under winner in 1999 and a great South Australian sports star, Stuart is a big favourite with the crowds,†says Mike Turtur, Santos Tour Down Under Race Director.
“It is always special to watch O’Grady riding in the peloton in his hometown and it is great news that he will be fit enough to ride.â€Â
O’Grady is one of the true champions of cycling with a decorated career filled with many victories on the track and road. As a gold medal winning Olympian and the first Australian to ever win the Paris-Roubaix in 2007 he is a force to be reckoned with.
“Stuart’s accomplishments at the Paris-Roubaix and Tour de France should not be forgotten. He’s won Tour de France stages and worn the famous yellow jersey, as well as consistently putting in epic rides to support his teammates,†says Mike Turtur.
Once rivals for the Tour de France Green sprinter’s jersey, Baden Cooke will join O’Grady in the Saxo Bank team in 2010.
“Baden is a welcome return and an asset to the spectacle of the race. In 2003, he won the Tour de France green jersey by two points in a tight finish on the Champs-Élysées with McEwen second and O’Grady seventh. It will be interesting to see this friendly Aussie rivalry reunited,†says Mike Turtur.
“It is great, as always, to have Jens Voight back racing in Adelaide. He’s a true cycling professional and has massive respect in the peloton.â€Â
Team Saxo Bank’s team for the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by Team Manager, Brad McGee (AUS), and includes Anders Lund (DEN), Jens Voight (GER), Baden Cooke (AUS), Stuart O’Grady (AUS), Jose Juan Haedo (AGR), Frank Høj (DEN) and Kasper Klostergarrd (DEN)
The 2010 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 17-24 January 2010. For more information, visit www.tourdownunder.com.au.
