Veteran German all-rounder Jens Voigt is heading back to Adelaide with the Radioshack Leopard Trek team.

“Jens Voigt is a crowd favourite and a formidable competitor whose determination is legendary,” said Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Mike Turtur. “I’m sure there will be plenty of local support for Jens.”

“Ten years ago, in my Crédit Agricole days, I did my first Tour Down Under and I was immediately charmed by the race,” said Voigt. “It is a nice race, well organised, hard and challenging, but not too hard and that is just what we need at this time of the year.

“On the other hand it is no sprinter’s race. It’s just perfect and well balanced, that’s why I like to come to Adelaide.

A comfortable season beginning

“The fact that we can stay a week long in the same hotel makes it comfortable for us, the transfers are not too long, and most important of all, the fans are great,” said Voigt. “The crowds are enthusiastic and they are in great numbers at all stages.

“That motivates us and I look forward to being in Adelaide again.”

Voigt’s team captain, 2010 Tour de France winner Andy Schleck, confirmed last November that he would make his Santos Tour Down Under debut and the team today confirmed the full seven man roster.

The Radioshack Leopard Trek team for the 2013 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by Team Director José Azevedo (POR) and includes riders:

George Bennett (NZL)
Laurent Didier (LUX)
Ben Hermans (BEL)
Tiago Machado (POR)
Andy Schleck (LUX)
Jesse Sergent (NZL)
Jens Voigt (GER)