Renshaw to compete in 2014 Tour Down Under

Sydney: Popular Australian cyclist Mark Renshaw has joined the Omega Pharma Quick-Step team for the 2014 Tour Down Under in January.

Renshaw was named Monday in the seven-man team heading to South Australia next month, reports Xinhua. The 31-year-old sprinter, whose 2013 season included a win at the Clasica de Almeria, is known for his skill as a lead-out man for the world`s fastest road cyclists. The Omega Pharma team includes riders -- Julian Alaphilippe (France), Jan Bakelants (Belgium), Andrew Fenn (Britain), Serge Pauwels (Belgium), Mark Renshaw (Australia), Matteo Trentin (Italy) and Carlos Verona Quintanilla (Spain). Belgian Jan Bakelants won stage two of the 2013 Tour de France and held the yellow jersey for stages three and four. Tour Down Under race director Mike Turtur said Bakelants and Renshaw were eager to make their mark in the event. The 2014 Tour Down Under will be staged in and around Adelaide from Jan 19-26.