Having made their debut in the race in 2014, Drapac Professional Cycling will return to the Tour Down Under in 2015. The team will be led by sprinter Wouter Wippert who will be supported by new signing Graeme Brown.

Australia’s Drapac Professional Cycling will compete at the Santos Tour Down Under for a second consecutive year after securing a wildcard place in the UCI WorldTour event.

The team’s seven-man roster for the Santos Tour Down Under includes new team recruit Graeme Brown, along with William Clarke, Timothy Roe and Wouter Wippert.

Tourism Leon Bignell said it was exciting to welcome the Australian-based team back to compete at the highest level in the largest cycling event in the Southern Hemisphere.

“We encourage all cycling fans to get out and support the riders. More than 762,000 people lined the streets for this year’s race and we look forward to more huge crowds as the professional peloton returns to South Australia,” he said.

Team general manager Jonathan Breekveldt said the squad would focus on strong sprint finishes featuring Wippert.

“Wouter was the most winning neo pro in 2014 and we believe he is ready for his first WorldTour race. He will be supported by our new lead-out specialist Graeme Brown,” he said.  

“We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to return to the Santos Tour Down Under in 2015 under the wildcard invitation. Participation in Australia's biggest race, and the first UCI WorldTour race of the season, brings a great return on investment to the Drapac Group and all of our partners who support our team.”

Drapac Professional Cycling enjoyed a strong debut at the event this year, with all-rounder William Clarke securing the Europcar Most Competitive Rider Jersey and the team finishing third overall.

The Australian-based Pro Continental team went on to enjoy a successful 2014 season, including wins for Clarke in the Tour of Japan’s individual time trial and the Tour de Kumano prologue.