Gerald Ciolek, Vuelta a Espana Stage 2 winner (2009) and German National Road Race Champion (2005), will headline the Omega Pharma Quick-Step team for the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under.

Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Mike Turtur said that Ciolek was an accomplished young rider and a great team leader, taking honours in 2006 as the UCI U23 World Road Race Champion.

“Ciolek is a strong lead out man. This was evident when he rode for Team Columbia in 2008. At the 2008 Tour de France, he was an instrumental figure in all four of Mark Cavendish’s stage wins,” Turtur said.

Serge Pauwels returns to the Santos Tour Down Under, possibly with a ŠKODA King of the Mountain victory firmly set in his sights.

“We have seen great performances by Pauwels at our race. In 2007, he claimed the overall King of the Mountain victory, making him a contender for ŠKODA King of the Mountain points in January.”

Matthew Brammeier will join Omega Pharma Quick-Step for the 2012 season, hot off an impressive 2011 where he claimed both the Irish National Road Race and Time Trial Champion titles.

“Brammeier is a versatile rider on the road and on the track, bringing invaluable experience and ability to adapt to a racing situation to the team,” Turtur said.

Gert Steegmans, two time Tour de France and Paris-Nice stage winner, will also have something to contribute with his experience and his ability to lead out for the team, having been Robbie McEwen’s Tour de France pilot in the past.

The Omega Pharma Quick-Step team has been targeting young riders in its recruitment and this is evident by the inclusion of team stagiaire, Matteo Trentin, who signed with the team in August and is the current U23 Italian National Road Race Champion.

The Omega Pharma Quick-Step team for the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by Team Manager, Rik Van Slycke (BEL) and include riders: Gerald Ciolek (GER), Matthew Brammeier (IRL), Serge Pauwels (BEL), Andrew Fenn (GBR), Gert Steegmans (BEL), Matteo Trentin (ITA) and Julien Vermote (BEL).

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