Team Sky will head to the Tour Down Under with a strong squad as the 2015 season gets under way. The Sky riders have enjoyed consistent showings on Australian soil, with the last five years yielding three overall podium finishes, and Team Sky yet to miss out on the top five in the general classification.

Richie Porte won the race’s queen stage on Old Willunga Hill last year en route to fourth overall, and will be joined by former stage winners Geraint Thomas and Chris Sutton in Adelaide.

British champion Pete Kennaugh and Salvatore Puccio will make their Down Under debuts for the team, with Luke Rowe and Ian Stannard rounding out the seven-man squad.

Kurt Asle Arvesen will be on Sports Director duties, overseeing a squad featuring a mix of stage race and classics riders.

On the prospect of competing in his home tour, Porte said: “This race is one of the highlights of my season. The support we receive at the Tour Down Under is unbelievable.”

“I’ll never forget the atmosphere on Willunga Hill last year and the memories of winning that stage will stay with me forever. This year we have a really strong team heading into the race and we can’t wait to getting started.”

As is now traditional, the action kicks off two days before the WorldTour event with the People’s Choice Classic criterium, with the race tackling six tough stages between January 20-25.

Team Sky’s squad for the Tour Down Under:

Pete Kennaugh, Richie Porte, Salvatore Puccio, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard, Chris Sutton, Geraint Thomas.