Replacing the usual Tour Down Under, the Santos Festival of Cycling – reserved for Australian riders – will have the honor of welcoming Richie Porte, the third place in the last Tour de France.
Unable to race in the colors of INEOS Grenadiers, which will not participate in the event, the Australian will be part of the Australian national team, named for this race Garmin-Australia.
Six riders will accompany him from January 21 to 24, including James Whelan (EF Education-NIPPO) and Leigh Howard, former cyclist for Orica GreenEDGE.
“The quality of both the men’s and women’s teams is testament to the passion each of these riders have for racing and starting the 2021 season at the Santos Festival of Cycling,” said Stuart O’Grady, Men’s Race Director.
“We’re really excited that Team Garmin-Australia have committed to racing at this year’s Santos Festival of Cycling and are looking forward to them bringing their experience and energy to the race.”
Garmin-Australia riders for the Santos Festival
Men: Richie Porte, Sam Welsford, Kelland O’Brien, Leigh Howard, Luke Plapp, Alex Porter, James Whelan
Women: Maeve Plouffe, Annette Edmondson, Georgia Baker, Ashlee Ankudinoff, Sarah Gigante, Lauretta Hanson, Neve Bradbury
