Cannondale Pro Cycling Team has assembled in Adelaide with a strong all-around squad capable of performing over the varied terrain served up by the Santos Tour Down Under. The Argyle Armada plans to target the sprint stages alongside a top ten on the general classification in the WorldTour season opener.
 
“We selected a team that would provide us for options on every stage,” said head sport director Charly Wegelius. “Our specific objectives will be shaped on the road, but we have distinct roles in mind for every rider.”
 
Wouter Wippert will make his debut in argyle at the Tour Down Under as part of Cannondale Pro Cycling Team’s seven-man squad. A stage winner in Adelaide last year, Wippert hopes to snag a second sprint victory in the opening race on the WorldTour calendar.
 
“It’s good to be back in Adelaide, the place where it all started last year with my first WorldTour win,” said Wippert. “For this year, the goal is the same – start the season with a win on one of the stages. The whole team is very motivated. I’m looking forward to next week when we’ll try to get the win together in green.”
 
While Wippert offers the American-registered squad options in the sprints, Simon Clarke has his sights set on the general classification. The Australian, who will line up for his tenth Tour Down Under start, will also serve as road captain in the WorldTour season opener.
 
Alberto Bettiol, newly crowned New Zealand time trial champion Paddy Bevin, Moreno Moser, Michael Woods and Ruben Zepuntke join Wippert and Clarke in Adelaide.
 
“In addition to having riders that could win on any stage, we have multiple riders that could contend for the overall,” noted Wegelius. “This first race of the year is important for any team, and our riders come prepared and motivated.”
 
“The home team and the teams with former winners start with big expectations,” Wegelius added. “We hope to profit off teams that have far more pressure than we do.”
 
Cannondale Pro Cycling Team for Santos Tour Down Under: 
Alberto Bettiol
Paddy Bevin
Simon Clarke
Moreno Moser
Wouter Wippert
Michael Woods
Ruben Zepuntke