An impressive line-up of BMC Racing Team riders will join Australian 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans at the 2014 Santos Tour Down Under in January.

The seven-man roster announced yesterday includes Belgian rider Ben Hermans, who recently signed with BMC Racing Team for the new cycling season.

Santos Tour Down Under race director Mike Turtur said the BMC Racing Team would be eager to impress.

“Cadel has his sights set on victory at the Giro d’Italia in 2014 and will be keen to start the season well and build towards this goal,” Mr Turtur said.

“BMC Racing Team is one of the best-known teams competing at the Santos Tour Down Under and riders are sure to receive a warm welcome as they travel around South Australia.”

In addition to Evans and Hermans the team roster features US rider Brent Bookwalter, who won the two opening stages of this year’s Tour of Qatar and finished second overall in the event.

Swiss riders Steve Morabito and Danilo Wyss will also represent BMC Racing Team in South Australia.

“The 2014 Santos Tour Down Under will revisit popular destinations such as Menglers Hill and Willunga Hill, along with featuring a spread of new challenges,” Mr Turtur said.

“I’m sure we will see strong performances from all of the BMC Racing Team riders competing, plus plenty of passion from fans excited to have Cadel Evans back racing on home soil.”

BMC Racing Team President and General Manager Jim Ochowicz said the team had always enjoyed the high level of competition at the Santos Tour Down Under.

“We look forward to the challenge in 2014 as Cadel will back with the rest of team in the heat of the battle,” Mr Ochowicz said.

BMC Racing Team Sport Director Fabio Baldato said the team had high hopes for Evans.

“It will be a pretty difficult race for one at the beginning of the season. Stages 1, 2 and 3 are hard, so it will be important to start well,” Mr Baldato said.

“It’s important to have a strong rider who is prepared for the race. In Cadel, we have the best rider to make a result.”

The BMC Racing Team competing at the 2014 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by manager Fabio Baldato and includes the following roster:

Brent Bookwalter (USA), Cadel Evans (AUS), Ben Hermans (BEL), Amael Moinard (FRA), Steve Morabito (SUI), Danilo Wyss (SUI) and Rick Zabel (GER).

The Santos Tour Down Under is Australia's premier international cycling race. It will be staged in and around Adelaide, South Australia from 19 to 26 January 2014. On Sunday 19 January the world's cycling elite will contest an exciting 50km circuit race, the People’s Choice Classic, as the curtain raiser for the six-stage Santos Tour Down Under being raced over a total distance of 875km.

2014 Santos Tour Down Under Stages:

Sunday 19 January People’s Choice Classic – Adelaide (50km)

Monday 20 January: Rest day

Tuesday 21 January, Stage 1: Nuriootpa to Angaston (135km)

Wednesday 22 January, Stage 2: Prospect to Stirling (150km)

Thursday 23 January, Stage 3: Norwood to Campbelltown (145km)

Friday 24 January, Stage 4: Unley to Victor Harbor (148.5km)

Saturday 25 January, Stage 5: McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill (151.5km)

Sunday 26 January, Stage 6: Adelaide (95km)