Garmin-Sharp boast a young roster this season, with Australian Rohan Dennis among the young stars tipped for big things this season. A white jersey at the Criterium du Dauphine last year and overall victory at the Tour of Alberta show why much is expected of the 23-year-old former track star. And having topped the mountains classification and the young rider’s classification in his last Tour Down Under in 2012, the Adelaide-raised rider knows what it takes to succeed in his home state, too.
With the race featuring many of Dennis’ training routes, and with a support squad bearing a distinctly Oceanic feel – compatriots Nathan Haas, Steele von Hoff, Caleb Fairly and Lachlan Morton, as well as New Zealander, Jack Bauer, are all included – he will be keen to use his home advantage against his more experienced rivals. Hopes of a challenge for the GC were dealt a blow last week however, after Dennis’ crashed out of the national time trial race. Should he overcome his injury he will certainly be among the contenders however.
