World Champ Mathews rides with Rabobank Down Under

 

“Mathews’ presence will be an added boost to the star-studded race in January 2011,” says Santos Tour Down Under Race Director, Mike Turtur.

The 20-year old Canberra rider is also known as ‘Bling’, a nickname he earned earlier in his career for his neck chains, earrings and eye ring.

“Mathews is immensely talented and has shown he can perform at the big occasions when he won the under 23 road race at this year’s World Championships,” says Mike Turtur.

“The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under will see Mathews making his debut with his new team Rabobank.”

Mike Turtur welcomes the return of Graeme Brown, Santos Tour Down Under veteran and dual Olympic and Commonwealth gold medallist.

“Brown is a great sprinter and boasts a successful record at our event as a four-time stage winner,” says Mike Turtur.

“The Santos Tour Down Under is a sprinter’s race and with Cavendish, Greipel and now Brown confirmed to race here, we are expecting stiff competition for the Jayco sprint points.”

Mathews and Brown will be joined by other returning heavyweights such as Thomas Leezer, Jos Van Emden and Peiter Weening who all competed in the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under.

Rabobank will be led by Team Manager Adri Van Houwelingen (NED) and includes riders:

Michael Mathews (AUS)

Laurens Ten Dam (NED)

Graeme Brown (AUS)

 Pieter Weening (NED)

Thomas Leezer (NED)

 Cornelius (Coen)  Vermeltfoort (NED)

Jos Van Emden (NED)

The 2011 Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 16-23 January 2011. For further information visit www.tourdownunder.com.au

For travel and accommodation details, contact the South Australian Visitor and Travel Centre on 1300 674 630 (+61 8 8303 2220 for international callers).