South America's biggest race is ready to roll from the 18th of January, when 29 teams will line-up for the 10th edition of the Tour de San Luis.

Seven stages, 921 kilometers, a team time trial and some tough climbs – these are the ingredients of an event which has become in no time one of the fans' favourite – an event which proved to be very successful for Etixx – Quick-Step at the previous participations, when the team notched multiple stage victories.

Once again, Davide Bramati will be the team's sport director for the race, which he previewed before heading to Argentina: "It's a very interesting edition of the Tour de San Luis, with an atypical start, giving that the first stage will be a team time trial. The stages are rather short, but intense, and some of them are scheduled to finish in cities we know very well from the previous years. The organizers found again the right balance between flat and mountain, and I'm sure this will lead to a great show on the road, which the fans are going to enjoy."

Last year, Fernando Gaviria came out of nowhere to win two sprint stages in spectacular fashion, catching the eye of everyone. As a result, he was immediately signed by Etixx – Quick-Step, together with fellow countryman Rodrigo Contreras, who impressed as well, by coming 5th in the general classification and winning the best young rider jersey. Both will make their return to San Luis now, which will act as their first pro race.

"Our goal is to take a stage victory and we are confident that Fernando can do it. On the flat, he will rely on a strong team, which includes Richeze, Vandenbergh, Sabatini and Wisniowski, all strong cyclists, ready to work for the team. For the mountains, we count on Rodrigo, but without putting any pressure on him. We want to take it day by day, see how he feels, and if the signs are good, then maybe he'll try to do a good GC", concluded Davide Bramati.

Etixx – Quick-Step for the Tour de San Luis (18-24 January):

Rodrigo Contreras, Fernando Gaviria, Maximiliano Richeze, Fabio Sabatini, Stijn Vandenbergh, Lukasz Wisniowski.

Read more at http://www.etixx-quickstep.com/en/news/detail/etixx-quick-step-with-motivated-team-to-tour-de-san-luis/2505#kLqbFS7SXDXMpheg.99