An Australian and Dutch line-up from the Rabobank team aims to make their mark at the 2009 Tour Down Under.

Lead Rabobank rider Graeme Brown has a long history with the Tour Down Under. Race Director Mike Turtur tips him as a cyclist to look out for in the peloton with his strength as a sprinter.

“Graeme Brown will be one to watch in the sprints, after finishing fourth overall sprint classification in the 2008 Tour Down Under,” said Mike Turtur.

“He will aggressively chase all the points he can for the SA Lotteries Sprint jersey.”

Fellow Australian, Mathew Hayman will return to the Tour Down Under after a crash on Stage 4 of the 2008 event left him with a broken collarbone.

“Graeme and Mathew performed very well at the 2008 event and I am sure they will travel to Adelaide with the aim to win with the Rabobank team,” said Mike Turtur.

Graeme Brown has a long list of cycling achievements. One that links him to Mike Turtur is his gold medal win in the 4000m Team Pursuit at the 2004 Olympics. Mike Turtur won gold in the same event at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

The Rabobank team line up for the 2009 Tour Down Under, led by Team Manager, Adri Van Houwelingen (NED) is: Graeme Brown (AUS), Bram De Groot (NED), Mathew Hayman (AUS), Jos Van Emden (NED), Rick Flens (NED), Tom Leezer (NED) and Kai Reus (NED).

“The experience of Dutch riders on the international cycling stage such as Bram De Groot and Rick Flens will add to Rabobank’s presence,” said Mike Turtur.

“We also look forward to welcoming Kai Reus to the Tour Down Under as part of his return to international competition.”

More team announcements and rider start lists for the 2009 Tour Down Under will be issued over the coming weeks.