French teams, Francaise des Jeux and Cofidis, have announced theirrider rosters for the 2009 Tour Down Under.

Tour Down Under Race Director, Mike Turtur, is pleased the 2008 TourDown Under overall Teams Classification winner Francaise des Jeux isreturning to defend their crown.

“We will expect a competitive team performance in 2009 by Francaise des Jeux,” said Mike Turtur.
‘With Jeremy Roy finishing second overall in the 2008 Giro d’Italia Sprint Classification, he will be striving to secure SA Lotteries Sprint jersey points at the Tour Down Under.”

Cofidis rider David Moncoutie has competed in nine consecutive Tour de France events (2000 – 2008), and will bring a wealth of international experience to the Tour Down Under.

“This year Moncoutie finished first in the Mountains Classification of the Vuelta a Espana, making him a rider to watch during the Škoda King of the Mountain climbs,” said Mike Turtur.

“Cofidis had a strong performance at the 2008 event, with Mickael Buffaz finishing fifth overall.”
The Francaise des Jeux team competing at the 2009 Tour Down Underincludes: Mikael Cherel (FRA), Remy Di Gregorio (FRA), Timothy Gudsell(NZL), Yauheni Hutarovich (BLR), Yoann Offredo (FRA), Jeremy Roy (FRA)and Wesley Sulzburger (AUS). Thierry Bricaud (FRA) is the Team Managerfor the Tour Down Under.

Cofidis, Le par Telephone (FRA), led by Team Manager Francis VanLondersele (FRA) includes: David Moncoutie (FRA), Mickael Buffaz (FRA),Aliaksandr Usau (BLR), Guillume Blot (FRA), Florent Brard (FRA), Julien ElFares (FRA) and Rein Taaramae (EST).