Etixx-QuickStep have announced their roster for their first race under their new name. While Mark Renshaw and Gianni Meersman will focus on the sprints, Maxime Bouet, David de la Cruz and Pieter Serry will go for the GC in the Tour Down Under.

Etixx-Quick-Step will reveal a revamped kit and a new title sponsor in Etixx when they take to the streets to compete in South Australia at the 2015 Santos Tour Down Under.

Minister for Tourism, Leon Bignell confirmed the team line up today whilst Etixx - Quick-Step is at their training camp at Olivia Nova in Spain.

“We are happy that the Etixx - Quick-Step team will be back in action at the race in January. It is always great to have an Australian listed as part of one of Europe’s best ProTour teams and we can’t wait to see what Mark Renshaw can do on our Santos Tour Down Under circuits,” said Mr Bignell.

Renshaw, in 2007, won the Down Under Classic and claimed victory in Stage 1 of the 2008 Tour Down Under.

The 2014 cycling season saw Renshaw compete for 87 days and race 13,673.75 km. He finished fifth across the line in Paris on the final stage of the Tour de France. Renshaw also won the second stage at the Tour of Britain with a great sprint.

"It's the first UCI WorldTour race of the year," sports director Rik van Slycke said. "It's always important to be inspired for good racing as soon as the first stage begins. But the team will be extra motivated because our sponsor, Etixx Sports Nutrition, is launching their product in Australia, where this race is held.

"We have a good team for any situation — guys like Gianni Meersman and Mark Renshaw for example. Mark is also Australian, which brings a little extra motivation that can play a role in the sprints. He even won the Down Under Classic in 2007, and won the first stage of Tour Down Under in 2008. Meersman can also take advantage of specific kinds of sprints, such as in a small group.

"For the climbs we have David De La Cruz, Pieter Serry, and Maxime Bouet. Bouet did a good race last year, but crashed two days from the finish which prevented a top finish. We are sure they can arrive focused and ready to contribute on the climbs such as on Willunga Hill. Two riders who will compete the team are Martin Velits and Yves Lampaert, two strong riders for any kind of terrain.

"Lampaert, De La Cruz, and Bouet will be motivated to do well as they are making their debut with the team. With the challenge of the parcours also comes the possibility of the wind affecting the race, but with this kind of team we can be ready to do well in any kind of situation on each stage."

Etixx Sports Nutrition, to be launched in Australia in January 2015, is one of the fastest growing sports nutrition brands in Europe. In addition to being the new title sponsor for the Belgium Quick-Step team, Etixx will partner with the Santos Tour Down Under for the first time as a major sponsor.

“We are excited to be launching Etixx Sports Nutrition in Australia at the Santos Tour Down Under and it is fantastic to have the Etixx - Quick-Step team here, riding in their new kit to support the launch," said Etixx Brand Activation Manager, Larissa Brander.

"These impressive athletes signify why the brand has been so successful in Europe, now our products can help athletes in Australia reach and exceed their performance goals too.”

The Etixx - Quick-Step team competing at the 2015 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by sport director Rik van Slycke (BEL) and includes riders: Maxime Bouet (FRA), David de la Cruz (ESP), Yves Lampaert (BEL), Gianni Meersman (BEL), Pieter Serry (BEL), Martin Velits (SVK) and Mark Renshaw (AUS).