Marcel Kittel won the 2014 People’s Choice Criterium to start off a successful season and he is looking to get off to an identical start this time around in Australia too.

During the Tour Down Under, Kittel isn’t specifically targeting wins and will try to help his two GC riders, but will take an opportunity if it comes his way.

“Our main focus will be for Tom and Simon to go for the GC, that is our overall target,” said team director Addy Engels. “But when you start a race with Marcel in the team you have to have an eye on the sprint opportunities.”

“The team is not built around the sprints, so we will adapt to the opportunities that come and test his shape in that way. We work hard to plan detailed race programs for all of the riders, and so it is nice to look forward to racing now after lots of planning and preparation."

Kittel enjoys riding at the Tour Down Under and says it is the perfect race to start his season.

“It’s a nice way for me to start the season and to find my legs again after the winter training,” Kittel said. “Adelaide is a beautiful place and it is a relaxing way to start the 2015 season.”

Giant-Alpecin for Tour Down Under:

Lawson Craddock (USA)

Tom Dumoulin (NED)

Simon Geschke (GER)

Chad Haga (USA)

Marcel Kittel (GER)

Koen De Kort (NED)

Albert Timmer (NED).