Team RadioShack will be fielding a strong team to support seven-time Tour de France and cycling legend Lance Armstrong in his third and final ride at the Santos Tour Down Under in Adelaide in January 2011.
“It’s good to see Team RadioShack returning to the Santos Tour Down Under for the second time since its debut in 2010,” says Santos Tour Down Under Race Director, Mike Turtur.
“Team RadioShack will return with seasoned riders such as Sebastian Rosseler and Jason McCartney who both rode with Armstrong at the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under.
“Another strong rider to join the team in Adelaide is three-time Swiss Champion Gregory Rast who has an impressive Swiss National Road Race Championships record,” he says.
The 2007 Tour de Luxembourg winner won the Under-23 Category in 2002 before winning the overall Men’s Category twice in both 2004 and in 2006.
“Markel Irizar is another rider to look out for. He showed his competitive side at the 2009 Santos Tour Down Under by winning the Škoda King of the Mountains classification,” Turtur says.
“From this line-up, Armstrong will be well supported by a strong quad that has a good combination of youth and experience for his farewell ride,” he says.
A cancer survivor, Armstrong retired from professional cycling in 2005 but launched his comeback at the 2009 Santos Tour Down Under to promote the efforts of Livestrong, a foundation he set up to create awareness and raise funds for his global cancer campaign.
The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 16-23 January 2011.