Ag2r sets roster for Tour Down Under

France’s Ag2r La Mondiale team will be back for next month’s Tour Down Under in Australia, organizers said Monday.

Ag2r La Mondiale has the best overall record in the Tour Down Under with four winners since the first race in 1999 — Spaniard Mikel Astarloza (2003), Gilles Maignan of France (2000), Australian Simon Gerrans (2006) and Swiss Martin Elmiger (2007).

“It is great news that such a quality team will be competing in Adelaide in January,” race director Mike Turtur said.

“We know that the Ag2r team gets results at the Tour Down Under and can consistently perform at cycling’s highest level.”

The Ag2r La Mondiale rider roster includes:
? Martin Elmiger
? Sebastien Hinault
? Alexander Efimkin
? Vladimir Efimkin
? Nicholas Roche
? Rene Mandri
? Alexandr Pliuschin.

The 2009 Tour Down Under will be held in South Australia from January 18 to 25. The race will also mark Lance Armstrong’s return to professional racing. The American will compete as a member of the Astana team, a program now run by his old friend Johann Bruyneel.

FILED UNDER: Road TAGS: Tour Down Under