Etixx - Quick-Step has announced the selection that will participate in the Cadel Evans Ocean Race, a 179km in distance, held on Sunday, February 1st.

Six Etixx - Quick-Step riders who also participated in Tour Down Under, including Australian Mark Renshaw, have trained in Geelong during the last week in preparation of the one-day race.

"I'm very excited to compete in another professional race in Australia one week after the Tour Down Under," Renshaw said. "It gives the opportunity of improving form and to race over in Victoria down in Geelong will be quite magical as the crowds will be spectacular."

BMC Racing Team rider Cadel Evans will be retiring from cycling after this self-titled race.

"Cycling in Australia is getting bigger every year," Renshaw said. "Of course with Cadel Evans retiring it brings a lot of attention to the race, and he's put a lot of input into the race. So, for sure it is going to be a success and who knows, if I can fight for the win it would be nice to add this one to my palmares.

"I think the circuit will be pretty difficult," Renshaw continued. "The World Championships were on the same circuit a few years ago where a sprinter won, but I think it will be a little different for this race as they changed things a little bit to make it more difficult. I think as we go along the coastline, south of Geelong, there will be a chance that the crosswind changes the race and I think everyone is also forgetting that it isn't flat along the coast line either. There are a lot of up and downs."

Roster

Maxime Bouet (FRA)
David De La Cruz Melgarejo (ESP)
Yves Lampaert (BEL)
Gianni Meersman (BEL)
Mark Renshaw (AUS)
Pieter Serry (BEL)