2006 Tour de France winner Oscar Pereiro will compete with his new Astana team at the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under in January.

Santos Tour Down Under Race Director, Mike Turtur, today said that the return of Pereiro will be another big boost to the race.

“Pereiro raced here this January and it’s great that he’s decided to come back in 2010,” said Mike Turtur.

“He was a major draw for the crowds and it is great that a cyclist of his calibre has chosen to come back to South Australia for our race.

“It’s tremendous to have two Tour de France winners, with Pereiro and Armstrong, racing in Adelaide again in January.

“The start list is the strongest we’ve ever had, with the likes of Armstrong, Pereiro, Evans, McEwen, Rogers and Greipel.”

Pereiro confirmed that he would start his 2010 season at the Santos Tour Down Under during a media conference at a training camp with his new team Astana.

“I raced at the Tour Down Under this year and the number of people watching the race really impressed me.

It’s incredible, especially the opening criterium,” said Oscar Pereiro.

The full Astana team that will compete in the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under will be announced soon.

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.