Team Sky's seven-man line-up for the Tour Down Under has hit the roads around Adelaide, South Australia, as they prepare for the squad's professional racing debut next week.
Russell Downing, Chris Froome, Mat Hayman, Greg Henderson, Chris Sutton, Ben Swift and Davide Viganò donned the team's black, blue and white kit and climbed aboard their Pinarello Dogma team bikes to warm-up for the TDU, which starts on Tuesday, January 19.
Sky is hoping to kick off its season with a bang during the six-stage race based entirely around Adelaide. Chris Sutton and Greg Henderson came first and second at the recent Jayco Bay Cycling Classic in Australia and must rank among the favourites for the race.
British sprinter Ben Swift and Tour of Ireland 2009 winner Russell Downing will be there in a supporting role, but also cannot be ruled out for individual stage wins if the opportunity arises.
After the TDU, Downing will be part of Sky's line-up for the Tour of Qatar (February 7-12).
The 2010 Tour Down Under starts on Tuesday, January 19, and runs until Sunday, January 24. The stage race is preceded by the one-day Cancer Council Classic criterium in Adelaide on Sunday, January 17.
Related links
Tour Down Under 2010: Preview
At the Team Sky launch: We have lift-off
Sky reveals early season line-ups
Cycling Weekly's rider profiles
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