Simon Gerrans confirmed for Jayco Herald Sun Tour
Australian star joins Chris Froome and Esteban Chaves on start list for Victoria race
Simon Gerrans has been officially confirmed to ride in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour in February.
The 36-year-old Australian, who won the race in 2005 and 2006, will line up alongside the likes of Tour de France champion Chris Froome and exciting Colombian Esteban Chaves.
Gerrans will likely be tasked with helping Orica-BikeExchange team-mate Chaves beat Froome to victory in Victoria and admits it will be tough for anyone other than those two to seriously challenge.
“Looking at the course I think it's going to be a two-rider race to be very honest with you,” Gerrans said. “And fortunately, one of those riders (Chaves) is going to be on my team.”
The Melbourne-born rider has not competed in the Sun Tour for a couple of years and says he is thrilled to be racing on local roads again as his career nears its end.
“I’m just excited to get back racing in Victoria again. The race is also growing in strength and popularity and I'm also going to have a big January,” he explained.
Gerrans will also take part in the Australian National Road Championships in Ballarat at the start of January, the Santos Tour Down Under in Adelaide shortly after, and then the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race at the end of the month in Geelong.
“By the time I string the nationals, Down Under and Cadel's race together I should be in good shape by the time the Sun Tour comes around that's for sure," Gerrans added.
