A formidable force: Jayco-AlUla unveils impressive squad for the Tour Down Under

Jayco-AlUla has already announced its selection for the Tour Down Under (January 16-22) on Saturday evening. The Australian team made the announcement through a post on 'X', the former Twitter. With Dylan Groenewegen on their side, the team is determined not to disappoint on home soil, so they're bringing out some big guns for the Australian race.

They're kicking off the season with their strong newcomers. Caleb Ewan is set to aim for sprint victories on the Australian roads, while Luke Plapp, who left INEOS Grenadiers this summer, and British rider Simon Yates, who finished fourth in the last Tour de France, are targeting a high general classification. The team also includes Australians Kelland O'Brien, Michael Hepburn, and Chris Harper, as well as New Zealander Campbell Stewart.

Plapp and Yates aim for high general classification, Ewan targets sprint victories

Yates had a very strong start last season Down Under. The 31-year-old twin brother of UAE team rider Adam Yates finished fourth in the second stage and second behind Pello Bilbao in the third stage. The fifth stage was won by Yates, who beat overall winner Jay Vine in the sprint. Vine, a local rider, ended up eleven seconds ahead of Yates in the general classification.

Ewan, who switched from Lotto-Dstny to Jaco-AlUla, has already accumulated numerous stage wins in his home country's race. He secured two victories in 2016, four in 2017, one in 2018, and two in 2020. Last year, he was beaten in the first road stage by German Phil Bauhaus. The now 29-year-old pocket sprinter will be eager for a swift first victory with his new team. Last summer, he left Lotto-Dstny under contentious circumstances, but at Jayco-AlUla, he will have to contend with Groenewegen in the sprints, who is already the preferred choice for next season's Tour.

Selection Jayco-AlUla Tour Down Under 2024

1. Luke Plapp
2. Caleb Ewan
3. Simon Yates
4. Kelland O'Brien
5. Michael Hepburn
6. Chris Harper
7. Campbell Stewart