Sky Pro Cycling will return to the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under for the third time, with a highly experienced and competitive team.

This is the second team announcement for the 2012 event and Santos Tour Down Under and Race Director Mike Turtur said he welcomed the impressive Sky Pro Cycling team line-up and expected to see great outcomes on the road.

“We are really excited about the inclusion of Edvald Boasson Hagen in the team. He is the current Norwegian National Time Trial Champion for the fifth year running and a two time Tour de France stage winner (2011 Tour de France, Stage 6 and Stage 17). He is fiercely competitive, young and hungry for a win,” Turtur said.

Boasson Hagen’s stage win at the Tour de France on Stage 6 made it the first ever victory by a British registered professional cycling team in the Tour de France.

“Geraint Thomas and Alex Dowsett (current Britain National Time Trial Champion) have both had strong 2011 seasons and we look forward to that form continuing with their start to the 2012 season at our race.”

Team Sky’s line up for the Santos Tour Down Under is strong and highly experienced with a strong British and Australian presence. The 2002 overall Santos Tour Down Under winner, Michael Rogers is returning, along with fellow Aussies Chris Sutton and Mathew Hayman.

Sutton performed well this year, finishing first on Stage 2 of the Vuelta a España, first in the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, second on Stage 1 of the Jayco Bay Classic and fourth on Stage 1 of the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under.

“We look forward to seeing Sutton’s form continue and it is always good to see Hayman racing at our event, a crowd favourite and one of the good guys of Australian cycling – he always races hard.

“USA’s Danny Pate was first overall in the King of the Mountains Competition at the 2011 Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal, making him one to watch for the ŠKODA King of the Mountain points here,” Turtur said.

Sky Pro Cycling’s team for the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by Team Manager, Sean Yates (GBR) and includes the following riders:

Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR)
Geraint Thomas (GBR)
Christopher Sutton (AUS)
Alex Dowsett (GBR)
Michael Rogers (AUS)
Danny Pate (USA)
Mathew Hayman (AUS)
More rider and team announcements will be issued over the coming weeks. The 2012 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 15-22 January 2012.