Ryder Hesjedal is making his first appearance at the Tour Down Under for three years, but he says that Nathan Haas will lead the team after being fifth overall in 2014.

"Nathan Haas is clearly the Australian here, we'll support him", he said of his teammate in an interview with Cyclingnews. He also mentioned Moreno Moser and Alex Howes as up and coming riders he'd be happy to help in South Australia.

He is using the race as a good start to his season, where he wants to build on a successful 2014 season and is targeting the Giro d’Italia.

"Maybe it doesn't sound that crazy, but I want to stay where I am. I didn't win a Grand Tour last year but I helped my teammates win, I took a stage in the Vuelta… 2014 was a successful season for myself, I was consistent, I want to keep that momentum going. The plan is to get to the Giro at 100% and see what I can make out of it. I don't worry about seeing my name as a favourite or not, it doesn't change anything. I believe I can win it again, I haven't raced or ridden my bike with sensations that I can't be there anymore. There are maybe a couple of riders that can line up and if they have the condition are capable of winning at a higher percentage, but I'm still among the guys who can win.”

At 34, he is nearing the end of his career, but he says he hasn’t even begun to consider retiring from professional cycling just yet.

"Retirement hasn't been a topic, a discussion yet, simply age wise I start looking at how many more years. It's human nature. Do I have a contract after this season? No. So it could be the last one but it hasn't been more than a quick thought here and there. There's no indication that next year I can't ride a bike. Maybe if I get signs of that I'll be thinking more. But the moment to make such a decision hasn't come yet."