Voigt returns for Santos Tour Down Under and Legends’ Night Dinner

Crowd favourite German cyclist Jens Voigt will make his 11th appearance at the Santos Tour Down Under when he returns with the new-look Trek Factory Racing team.

At 42, Voigt will be the oldest cyclist in the peloton and will be joined by Luxembourger Frank Schleck in his debut appearance. 

Minister for Tourism Leon Bignell said fans were excited to welcome Voigt to the 2014 race.

“Jens Voigt is always a favourite with cycling fans and we can expect him to put in a strong performance throughout the various stages,” Minister Bignell said. 

“He has a reputation for attacking as we saw in the People’s Choice Classic in 2013 when he broke away from the peloton for much of the race.

“Jens’ contribution to cycling and the Santos Tour Down Under will be recognised when he is honoured at the Legends’ Night Dinner alongside English cycling royalty Sir Chris Hoy.”

Voigt and Schleck will be joined by Australian Calvin Watson who recently secured his first UCI Pro Team contract with Trek Factory Racing.

Dutch brothers Boy and Danny van Poppel will also be part of the seven-man roster.

“The route for the 2014 Santos Tour Down Under is an exciting one with a good mix of climbs and sprint finishes,” Minister Bignell said.

“Fans can expect some fantastic racing action from the Trek Factory Racing team as they tackle the challenging climbs of Corkscrew Road and Willunga Hill.”

Santos Tour Down Under Race Director Mike Turtur said the team would aim to continue their success at the event. 

“After winning the Hindmarsh Winning Team jersey in 2012 and 2013 they will want to defend their title next year,” Mr Turtur said.

Jens Voigt said he looked forward to returning to the Santos Tour Down Under.

“(The) Tour Down Under has almost become like a ritual for me. Adelaide was the starting point of every season in the recent past. As it looks like 2014 will be my last season, it's going to be extra special,” Jens said.

“I'll start my 'farewell tour' at the TDU. I'm really looking forward to racing there again and meeting with the fans in Australia, who are all very enthusiastic about cycling.

“I feel honoured that I am again invited to the Legends’ Night Dinner, which is always a highlight of my stay in Australia and where I always had great people on my table.”

The Trek Factory Racing team competing at the 2014 Santos Tour Down Under will be led by manager Kim Andersen and includes riders Laurent Didier (Luxembourg), Fabio Felline (Italy), Fränk Schleck (Luxembourg), Boy van Poppel (Netherlands), Danny van Poppel (Netherlands), Jens Voigt (Germany) and Calvin Watson (Australia).

The Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 19-26 January 2014.