The TDU is an unusual race because it has two distinct dimensions.  For some – especially the Aussies – it’s a chance to shine in what is largely viewed as a “sprinters delight” in front of the large, appreciative crowds.  But for most of the riders and staff it’s essentially a welcome warm training camp (don’t forget it’s summer Down Under), where every night the entire race returns to the same hotel after the “prologue” criterium and all six stages, something definitely not the norm when it comes to stage racing.

At 803 kms / 498 miles it’s a definite short but intense week of riding, perfect for everyone ramping up into the 2012 season.  But what is definitely different this time around is that there are two finishes (Stages 2 and 5) that are short, nasty uphills and could well decide the overall race winner, especially the latter.

For RADIOSHACK NISSAN TREK, our lineup is solid and will contest not only for stage wins but the overall title as well.  Leading the sprint effort will be the Italian Daniele Bennati.  This proven veteran has been leading out and / or winning bunch sprints in every Grand Tour as well as many other races; he knows what it takes to win when things get fast.  He has a solid support cast in Jan Bakelants (replacing Ben Hermans), Hayden Roulston, Jesse Sergent, and the ever popular Jens Voigt. Going for the overall win will be a twofold in Linus Gerdemann and Tiago Machado. “I am confident that José Azevedo will be our perfect sports director in Adelaide,” said General Manager, Johan Bruyneel. “José was there the last two years and knows the roads and finish areas, and that is very important.”

“The Tour Down Under is more important to us than everyone might expect,” said Johan. “For all the teams it is of course an important race as the whole cycling community is hungry to start the new season. An early win stays in your mind for the rest of the season and gets a lot of media coverage more than a late win in another race. The fans and sponsors can see that and they immediately know that the riders worked hard in the winter period.”
Johan added, “We also have a bit of a reputation to defend Down Under. The last three years we always received a very warm welcome from the organizers and from the public, as Lance Armstrong started his comeback over here. And of course, last year he finished his second road racing career in Adelaide.”

Who are the boys in black fighting against?  Without question the most motivated team will be GreenEDGE, the new Aussie squad featuring Cam Meyer and Robbie McEwen, and several others who can be right up there at the front.  3-time TDU winner Andre Greipel is back looking for redemption, 3-time world champ Oscar Friere lines up in a Kathusha kit for the first time, Ryder Hesjedal and Robbie Hunter lead the way for Garmin, Team Sky has a well rounded team lead by Edvald Boasson Hagen, and BMC has a solid threat in Alessandro Ballan.  But the two biggest names - and question marks - have to be the veterans Alejandro Valverde now riding for Movistar, and Alessandro Petacchi with Lampre.  Valverde could well contest for the overall, and Petacchi is a veteran sprinter with a victory list a 1000m long.  It just remains to be seen if they are still strong, or if father time has caught up…

Johan finished with, “As the Tour Down Under is the first WorldTour race of the season, we will try to get a good result, not only for victory but for the UCI points, too, as they are necessary for the position of the Director’s cars in the following WorldTour races. With Daniele Bennati we have possibilities in the sprints, though we have to be realistic that it will be hard fight against all the fast Aussie guys. For our riders it is the first race of the season, as well as a time for training; for them it is their most important race on their home turf.”

By: Chris Brewer

Chris Brewer is a proud cancer survivor working for LIVESTRONG and has been covering professional cycling since 1998.  He will be contributing to RADIOSHACKNISSANTREK.com providing his unique insights into the sport throughout the 2012 season.