Nat Bromhead
He is the biggest name in World cycling and will be star billing at next year’s Tour Down Under – Peter Sagan will start his 2017 cycling season with new team Bora-Hansgrohe at the TDU in Adelaide in January.
Current World Road Champion, seven time Tour de France stage winner and 11 time Grand Tour stage winner, Sagan will take to the start line on January 14, six years after making his WorldTour debut in Adelaide in 2010.
“Six years ago we saw Sagan attack over the last climb on Willunga Hill finishing fifth, battling it out alongside Cadel Evans, Alejandro Valverde and Luis Leon Sanchez,” said Race Director Mike Turtur.
“The race and the fans are in store for something special next year when he tackles the climb for the second time.”
“He has had an outstanding season to date, not just with his Tour de France campaign but with victory at the one day classics, Tour of Flanders and the Gent-Wevelgem. Not only is he a great cyclist, he is also one of the most popular cyclists on the WorldTour. We cannot wait to welcome him back to the race – he is an exciting addition.”
Peter Sagan has fond memories of his first Tour Down Under and says he’s looking forward to returning in new team colours.
Returning, after seven years, to the race that set off my professional career is a great feeling and I look forward to riding on the roads of Adelaide and South Australia. – Peter Sagan
“I’m excited to announce that I will race at the Santos Tour Down Under next year. This iconic Australian race brings the world’s best riders on a course that features tough climbs and fast sprints and I’m convinced its 19th edition could be the best so far,” said Sagan.
“The Santos Tour Down Under will be the curtain-raiser of the 2017 season and my first race wearing the Bora-Hansgrohe colours, but it also holds a special place in my heart. I first took part in 2010 in what was my maiden WorldTour race and I still remember the excitement and anxiety on the start line of the first stage in Clare.
“Returning, after seven years, to the race that set off my professional career is a great feeling and I look forward to riding on the roads of Adelaide and South Australia.”
Fans will also have the opportunity to mingle with Peter Sagan at the Legends’ Night Dinner on Saturday 21 January 2017.
The 2017 Santos Tour Down Under runs from Saturday 14 January until Sunday 22 January. The Santos Women’s Tour will be held from 14 – 17 January 2017.
