Australia’s production line of cycling stars is loaded with the next batch with a team of young guns set to take on an international field at next week’s Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

The KordaMentha Real Estate – Australian National Team will deliver generation next with some of Australia’s best and brightest young stars of professional cycling to line up against established talent at the iconic event, including Tour de France winner Chris Froome.

The 2016 Jayco Herald Sun Tour will be staged from next Wednesday 3rd to Sunday 7th February, as the climax to an exciting summer of cycling and marks the 63rd edition of the race.

Having already set the summer of cycling alight, newly-crowned Australian Under-23 road champion Chris Hamilton (Vic) headlines the KordaMentha Real Estate – Australian National Team along with Lucas Hamilton (Vic), dual para-cycling world champion Alistair Donohoe (Vic), former Australian Under-23 road champion Ben Dyball (NSW), Angus Lyons (Vic) and 2014 junior world championships individual time trial bronze medallistMichael Storer (WA).

Donohoe said that he and his teammates are ready to fire on home turf.

“I'm over the moon with the KordaMentha Real Estate – Australian National Team that has been put together for the Jayco Herald Sun Tour,” he enthused.

“I know the boys are going to give it 100% out there every day and just leave it all on the road. We have a good mix of guys that can really mix it up in the sprint as well as the climbs, not to mention they're all top guys.”

Cycling Australia Under-23 Men’s national road coach James Victor explained that it was important to bring together a mix of young, developing talent with some focus on stronger climbing abilities to take up the challenge of a solid week of international racing.

“It is always important to fly the national team colours wherever opportunities arise,” he said. 

“With some of our young talent not yet signed to continental or professional teams the Jayco Herald Sun Tour provides a perfect opportunity for the next generation to mix it with some of our seasoned and international professionals on some very tough terrain around south-eastern Victoria.”

The Jayco Herald Sun Tour is just the tip of the iceberg for Donohoe who is aiming for the Paralympic Games (C5 limb impairment / cerebral palsy classification) later in the year. The 20-year-old however is allowing himself to be excited by the inclusion of Team Sky and two-time Tour de France winner, Chris Froome to the start list.

“Racing against Team Sky and Chris Froome this year has got me fizzing!” Donohoe said.

“It's a little bit different for me going into this race as my overall goal this year is the Rio Paralympics which aren't until September. I have to save a lot more of that motivation for down the track.”

The 2016 Jayco Herald Sun Tour will be presented by Jayco and the Herald Sun, along with the continued support from the Victorian State Government.