The Santos Tour Down Under will see the return of Alejandro Valverde for his second appearance at the race in January 2012 as he leads the all Spanish Movistar team.

Santos Tour Down Under, Race Director, Mike Turtur, said Valverde will want to start make sure his season gets off to a good start in Adelaide.

“I believe Valverde is one of the favourites for next year’s race. The experience he had here when he last raced in 2010, will have him well placed to be a big threat to take out the overall win,” said Mike Turtur.

“The Old Willunga Hill and Stirling finishes suit Valverde’s style of racing so we expect him to ride well.”
Valverde celebrates a successful career with key highlights being his win at the 2009 Vuelta a Espana, three Tour de France stage wins, overall honours in the Liège–Bastogne–Liège in 2006 and winning enough points to the earn title of UCI ProTour rider of the year in 2006 and 2008.

“There are a lot of riders in this Movistar team who could potentially do well at our race this year. Jose Joaquin Rojas was impressive here in 2009, winning the Cycle Instead Young Rider Jersey and finishing third in the GC. Rojas will certainly be one to watch in 2012 alongside Valverde,” said Race Director Mike Turtur.

2011 has been a good season for Rojas, finishing 14th overall in the GC at the Santos Tour Down Under, taking out the title of Spanish National Road Race Champion, as well as an impressive performance at this year’s Tour de France.

“Movistar is bringing a very strong team with them to Adelaide. After winning the Brilliant Blend Teams Classification at the 2011 race, I am sure they will again put in a competitive performance. With the likes of Valverde, Gutierrez and Rojas it’s got the calibre of a Grand Tour team,” added Turtur.

Angel Madrazo became a crowd favourite in 2011, finishing tenth overall in the Cycle Instead Young Rider Classification so will be one to watch in 2012. Gutierrez will be expected to put in a good performance, finishing 17th overall in the general classification of the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under.

Imanol Erviti finished first in the Vuelta a la Rioja this year, giving him a taste of victory.
Movistar’s team for the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by Team Manager, Jose Luis Arrieta (ESP) and include riders: Alejandro Valverde (ESP), Imanol Erviti (ESP), Jose Ivan Gutierrez (ESP), David Lopez (ESP), Angel Madrazo (ESP), Javier Moreno (ESP), Jose Joaquin Rojas (ESP).