After a sixth place in last year's event, Domenico Pozzovivo will again lead Ag2r-La Mondiale at the Tour Down Under which starts on Tuesday.

The Italian will be supported by a strong team that includes new signing Cyril Gautier who will be at his side in the harder stages alongside Matteo Montaguti and Christophe Riblon. Jesse Sergent, Gediminas Bagdonas and Alexis Gougeard will keep him protected on the flats.

"I met my new teammates during the first training camp in November in Oisans but it’s my 9th professional season and I already knew most of them," Gautier says. "Agr2-La Mondiale Pro Cycling Team is a high level team and that’s why I chose to join it. It’s my first participation at the Santos Down Under Tour and I want to do my best to help Domenico Pozzovivo.

"Last year I stopped my season after the Vuelta a Espagna and I resumed training earlier than usual. After Australia, I will participate in La Méditerranéenne (Feb 11-14), Tour de Provence (Feb 23-25), Drôme Ardèche Classics (Feb 27-28) and Paris - Nice (March 6-13)."

"I'am happy to be a part of Ag2r," Sergent said.." It’s a new experience. I am looking forward to continuing progressing as a rider. The training camp was very good. I got to meet a lot of new riders and staff. It feels good to be a part of such a close group of riders. There was a really good team spirit and I'm looking forward to racing with them.

"I feel like I had a good off-season and started well so I'm hoping to start the season in a good way. The Tour Down Under is a race I enjoy and I look forward to helping our leader Domenico Pozzovivo to a top result. After Australia, I will ride the Tour of Qatar (Feb 8-12)."