Simon Gerrans will seek his fourth win at the Tour Down Under as he leads a powerful Orica-GreenEDGE selection for the first major goal of his team.

According to several media, Gerrans, winner in 2006, 2012 and 2014, will be joined by Caleb Ewan, Michael Albasini, Daryl Impey, Luke Durbridge, Michael Hepburn and Mathew Hayman.

Last year, Gerrans missed the chance to defend his title as he crashed while riding his mountain bike in December. Impey took over the leadership but had to settle with two second places. In addition to the GC leader, Ewan will be the trump card in the bunch sprints as he tries to build on the success of his debut season.

Orica-GreenEDGE faces a full summer of racing on home soil as they will do the Bay Crits (January 1-4), Nationals (January 6-10), Tour Down Under (January 19-24), the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (January 31) and the Herald Sun Tour (February 3-7).