André ‘the Gorilla’ Greipel Returns Down Under in 2018 André Greipel, one of the most accomplished sprinters of modern cycling will take to the start line at the 2018 Santos Tour Down Under. He last appeared at the race in 2014 with fans eagerly awaiting his return. The German sprint sensation, riding for the Belgian Lotto-Soudal team first won the Santos Tour Down Under in 2008 and for a second time in 2010. His major successes have included 22 Grand Tour stage victories (11 at the Tour de France, 7 at the Giro d’Italia and 4 at the Vuelta a Espana). Race Director, Mike Turtur is thrilled to have one of the favorites of the TDU peloton and dual past winner return to compete in 2018. “I can still remember André’s overall win in 2008, taking the general classification by just seconds on Aussie Allan Davis – it was the start of an amazing season for Andre,” said Mike Turtur.
“After the 2008 TDU victory at the start of his season, Greipel went on to his first Grand Tour stage win at the Giro d’Italia. The TDU has always provide him with a strong start to his season.” “There’s no question André Greipel and his team always mean business when they come to race here,” Mike Turtur said. “The explosive power of these cyclists is a force to be reckoned with, and we know how much fans enjoy watching Greipel storm home for a sprint finish, so we hope he can add to his TDU stage win record next January.” Two time overall Santos Tour Down Under winner, André Greipel has a special relationship with the race and the fans. His 2008 victory was a revelation setting the scene for the many victories that would come after Andre’s first TDU title. “I have a special relationship with the Santos Tour Down Under, both on and off the bike. It’s a pleasure for me to go back as it was always good to start a hopefully successful season,” said André Greipel.
“With the TDU celebrating 20 years in 2018, it is a really established and professional organized race with riders of high quality taking part. I have seen the race develop over the years to a high standard WorldTour event, an example for race organizers globally.” “The first wins and points to earn, for my team and I would be nice and of course I’m looking forward to the fantastic atmosphere,” said Greipel.
The 2018 Santos Tour Down Under will be staged in Adelaide and regional South Australia 13 – 21 January 2018. Andre Greipel – Fast Facts Andre Greipel is a two time Santos Tour Down Under winner (2008 and 2010). In 2013 Andre Greipel took his 100th career stage win on TDU’s Stage 6 of the race. Andre Greipel has 17 TDU stage wins (making him the rider with the most stage wins in the history of the race) and two People’s Choice Classic victories to his name. Greipel has 22 Grand Tour stage victories to his name. Andre Greipel’s first Tour de France stage win was in 2011. Three time German National Road Race Champion (2013, 2014, and 2016).
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