The Kazakstahn Astana Pro Team will head to the 2016 Santos Tour Down Under with the 2005 event winner as part of the team line up confirmed today.

Mike Turtur, Race Director said it is always good to have a past winner of the race as part of the peloton and in particular when they are as accomplished as Spaniard Luis Leon Sanchez.

“Luis Leon Sanchez is a four time Tour de France stage winner and has taken overall honours at the San Sebastian Classic twice,” said Mike Turtur.

“He is a crowd favourite not to mention overall winner of the Paris-Nice in 2009 as well as having multiple stage wins at Paris-Nice throughout his career.”

Luis Leon Sanchez took overall victory at the event in 2005 and recalls how the event has grown from strength to strength.

"It is always a pleasure to return to Adelaide,” Sanchez said.

“I have raced here many times and have seen the Tour Down Under grow from year to year. I like the location and I like the people on the streets: friendly and smiling.”

Dutch rider Lars Boom will join Sanchez on the start line.

“With 2009 Tour of Belgium, 2011 Tour of Britain and 2012 Eneco Tour overall wins to his name, Lars is sure to be competitive at the start of the season,” said Mike Turtur.

The Astana Pro Team lining up at the 2016 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by Team Manager, Stefano Zanini (ITA) and will feature:

Lars Boom NED
Maxat Ayazbayev KAZ
Laurens De Vreese BEL
Arman Kamyshev KAZ
Davide Malacarne ITA
Luis Leon Sanchez ESP 
Lieuwe Westra NED

The 2016 Santos Tour Down Under will be held 16 – 24 January 2016.