The Slovakian ‘canon ball’ Peter Sagan will lead Cannondale at the Tour de San Luis.

At the same time as the Tour Down Under opening Criterium, Cannondale will be competing in the second race of 2013, the Tour de San Luis. Taking place from January 20 to 27, the race includes seven stages, an individual time trial and many climbs.

Peter Sagan will make his season debut on the roads of Argentina. This race will be his first experience at the Tour de San Luis, and the Slovakian champion will be the key rider for Cannondale Pro Cycling. By his side will be Argentina’s own Lucas Sebastian Haedo (two stage victories in the 2009 Tour de San Luis), Japanese Nariyuki Masuda and German Michel Koch. American Ted King, Colombian Josè Sarmiento and Italian Mauro Da Dalto will complete the line-up led by directeur sportif Mario Scirea.

“We know Tour de San Luis’ routes well and we know how hard they are,” explained Scirea. “We are starting the season and the main goal is to improve our level of condition in view of the spring season. At the same time, I’m confident the team will achieve some good results: we have riders suited for these stages.”

“After a long period of training, I really want to ride in a race,” said Sagan. “I’m ready to face this debut at Tour de San Luis, which will be a new and hard test for me. Climbs are good for training and I want to come back to Europe in good condition. January is an important step in preparing for the Classics season, my first goal of the season. I would like to run this race without pressure. Of course, I would like also to be competitive in my stages and to help the team. Many important riders are here in Argentina and it will be a motivation to do mybest.”

Tour de San Luis line-up
Peter Sagan
Lucas Sebastian Haedo
Cayetano Sarmiento
Nariyuki Masuda
Mauro Da Dalto
Edward King
Michel Koch