The Equipe Cycliste FDJ – BIG MAT team rider roster confirmed today for the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under has the calibre and experience of any Grand Tour team line up.

Race Director Mike Turtur said the quality of the Equipe Cycliste FDJ – BIG MAT team coming to the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under was of a Tour de France team standard.

“We are thrilled with the team Equipe Cycliste FDJ – BIG MAT are sending to next year’s race. This is a highly experienced and competitive team from who we will expect a great performance,” Turtur said.

Veteran Frenchman, Frederic Guesdon, who recently turned 40, brings a wealth of experience and hunger to win to the lineup. Guesdon won the Paris Roubiax in 1997 and Paris Tours in 2006.

“Guesdon signed with FDJ in 1997 and in 2012 will be entering his 15th season with the team. This demonstrates the integral role he still has to play with the team,” he said.

The Santos Tour Down Under is pleased to welcome back Sandy Casar, (he finished fifth overall at the event in 2000) and was awarded the Cycle Instead Young Rider jersey the same year.

“Sandy Casar is an extremely accomplished rider, with three Tour de France stage wins to his name, as well as winning the Route de Sud in 2005.”

The mix of talent on this team is evident. Yauheni Hutarovich is a Vuelta a Espana stage winner (2010) and a two time National Road Champion for Belarus (2008, 2009).

Jussi Veikkanen is a five time National Road Race Champion for Finland and will be one to watch on the ŠKODA King of the Mountain climbs along with Jeremy Roy.

“Jeremy Roy will be one to watch on the ŠKODA King of the Mountain climbs, having worn the King of the Mountain jersey on Stage 13 of the Tour de France this year.”

The Equipe Cycliste FDJ – BIG MAT team for the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by Team Manager, Yvon Madiot (FRA) and include riders: Sandy Casar (FRA), William Bonnet (FRA), Arnaud Courteille (FRA), Frederic Guesdon (FRA), Yauheni Hutarovich (BLR), Jeremy Roy (FRA), Jussi Veikkanen (FIN).

More rider and team announcements will be issued over the coming days.

The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 15-22 January 2012. Visit www.tourdownunder.com.au for more information.

For more information contact: Jessica Hurt on 0412 784 587 or jessica.hurt@tourism.sa.com or Michele D’Aloia on 0417 837 896 or michele.daloia@bigpond.com