There was no win for Niccolo Bonifazio in the first race of the year as the Italian could only manage 11th in the People's Choice Classic. However, Lampre-Merida keep confidence in their fast Italian as they go into the actual WorldTour race.

With Niccolo Bonifazio, Roberto Ferrari and Davide Cimolai on the roster, Lampre-Merida is loaded with fast riders at the Tour Down Under. However, the team has decided to back youngster Bonifazio in the sprints but he was unable to do better than 11th in today's warm-up race, the People's Choice Classic.

"The race served to break the ice, after the winter break, the long journey and the days of training here in Australia," sports director Bruno Vicino said. "The guys worked well for our designated sprinter Bonifazio. However, he ws boxed in with 400m to go. Despite being only a criterium, no one took it easy and the pace was very high.  Niccolo will surely do better in the races that matter the most."

The race marked the debut for Ethiopian champion Tsgabu Grmay who is just the second African rider on the Italian team in its long history.