Australia’s Drapac Professional Cycling will compete at the Santos Tour Down Under for a third consecutive year after securing a wildcard place in the UCI WorldTour event.

The team’s seven-man roster for the Santos Tour Down Under includes Australian Graeme Brown who will line up for a record 14th start at the event.

Race Director, Mike Turtur said that Graeme Brown is a crowd favourite and will be the only rider in the history of the race to make 14 appearances.

“Brownie has a long and celebrated history with the race, not only as a stage winner but also as the 2001 Sprint Jersey classification overall winner,” said Mike Turtur.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Drapac to the 2016 Santos Tour Down Under and expect a solid performance.”

Drapac Professional Cycling General Manager Jonathan Breekveldt said the squad would focus on having a similar impact to the results generated at the race in 2015.

“We are very appreciative of the Santos Tour Down Under organisers for again offering the team the wildcard invitation to 2016 iteration of the race. The team left the race in 2015 with the best possible result, winning the final stage and we will go back again to have a similar impact,” said Jonathan Breekveldt.

“It is also a special occasion for Graeme as it is his 14th TDU and we are excited to help him commemorate this feat over the course of the week.”

Graeme Brown, a three time Santos Tour Down Under stage winner and two time Olympic gold medalist is looking forward to being back in Adelaide at the race.

“This race is very special to me. It is such a great atmosphere, and the spectators are sensational, with fans lining the roadside for most of every stage,” said Graeme Brown.

“I am looking forward to my 14th start at this event and the course for this year’s race looks to set up an action packed event.”

The Drapac Professional Cycling team at the 2016 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by Team Manager Tom Southam (GBR) and includes:

Graeme Brown AUS
William Clarke AUS
Nathan Earle AUS
Brenton Jones AUS
Gavin Mannion USA
Lachlan Norris AUS
Adam Phelan AUS

The 2016 Santos Tour Down Under will be held 16 – 24 January.