He’s a favourite with cycling fans here and around the world – and has 124,000 fans on Twitter to prove it – but in Adelaide this weekend, a pair of joeys caught the attention of Marcel Kittel. And his affection too.

“It’s very special – they are animals you will not see in any other place of the world,” Kittel said after having cuddles with joeys Ash and Amelia.

“It’s really, really cool to have them on your arm - to actually really touch them, to cuddle them, to pet them,” 

Every year, in the Adelaide City Council Tour Village, the international riders and team members get the chance to get up close and personal with our native wildlife – including two koalas and a python.

It’s this relaxed atmosphere that surrounds the Santos Tour Down Under, which Kittel says he also really enjoys.

“It’s always a nice atmosphere - very relaxed - and a really nice start to the season,” he said.

“Racing here Down Under is cool because we come now from winter in Europe and they normally have great weather and it’s a beautiful area the Adelaide Hills. Also with the spectators, we’re really looking forward to every stage here.”

Having raced twice before at the Santos Tour Down Under, Kittel says he’ll try and win a stage, but is supporting his teammates first and foremost.

“I try to use the opportunities I can get if there is a sprint, but normally the Tour Down Under is a very hard race as well, so you have to be already in good shape,” he said.

“We are here with the team for the GC, and I will concentrate on helping them and finding a good race rhythm.”

He’s also looking forward to racing against Cadel Evans in what will be his last Santos Tour Down Under.

“He can be very proud of what he has achieved in his career and [it’s] nice for everyone in the race to be part of it, especially of his almost last race.”