Andrea Guardini makes season debut in Australia.

Astana Pro Team kicks off its 2013 season on Tuesday at the Tour Down Under race.

Powerhouse Italian sprinter Andrea Guardini will debut in the sky blue uniform of Astana on the streets of Adelaide's east end, alongside his countryman Valerio Agnoli and five veteran riders.

Director Sportif Stefano Zanini said Australia has welcomed the Astana riders warmly, and expects fireworks when the speeds pick up on Tuesday.

"Guardini has all the characteristics of a world class sprinter. He is compact, he has tremendous leg speed, an explosive burst inside the final kilometer, and we have a strong and experienced team to work to control the front of a race," Zanini said.

Astana Pro Team line-up
Andrea Guardini
Valerio Agnoli
Enrico Gasparotto
Jacopo Guarnieri
Maxim Iglinskiy
Andrey Kashechkin
Simone Ponzi