BMC RACING CONFIRM DREAM TEAM OF TDU CHAMPIONS
Overnight BMC Racing Team have announced their team line up for the 2018 Santos Tour Down Under, and it is only fitting that as the TDU celebrates 20 years in 2018 that three past winners with a total of six TDU crowns between them take to the start line.
Mike Turtur, Race Director, Santos Tour Down Under said the strength and experience in the BMC Racing Team line up for the race would make them a formidable force within the peloton.
“We can’t wait to see Richie Porte return to form at TDU’s reigning champion, it is always an honour for any race to have the previous winner return to defend their title,” said Mike Turtur.
“Seeing the dynamic with Simon Gerrans who is a four time race winner make his debut with BMC Racing Team riding alongside Porte will add something really special to the race,” said Mike Turtur.
“We know the fans will cheer just that little bit louder for the Aussie flavour in the BMC Racing Team. There is nothing better for a rider than racing in front of their home crowd and this will be even more special for South Aussie locals, Rohan Dennis and Miles Scotson.”
After winning his first title in 2017, defending champion Porte is looking forward to returning to the race where he has earned the title of ‘King of Willunga Hill’ having claimed the iconic stage win for the last four consecutive years.
“I’m excited to go back to the Santos Tour Down Under in 2018 and try to defend the ochre jersey. After mostly missing the last part of the 2017 season, it will be good to get 2018 underway, especially at the Santos Tour Down Under which is one of my favorite races of the calendar,” Porte explained.
Gerrans returns to the Santos Tour Down Under as the winner of a record four editions at what will be the 20th anniversary of the race.
“I’m really excited about the Santos Tour Down Under this year especially because it is my first race with BMC Racing Team. We’re going to have a really formidable line-up, and I think there will be a lot of attention on us. I have always made a point of trying to start my seasons in good shape, and for my entire career this race has always been on the calendar, so it has worked out really nicely for me that I have been able to target a race on Australian soil at the beginning of the season,” Gerrans said.
2017 has been one of the most successful seasons in BMC Racing Team’s history with the team finishing with 48 wins, the highest number ever recorded by the team. Of the 48 wins, 22 were at UCI WorldTour races and six were national titles.
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