Paolini leads Liquigas Down Under

Luca Paolini will race his first event on the season in Australia, taking part in next week's Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under, between January 17-22. The event will also mark Paolini's first race in Liquigas colours, and he will even celebrate his 29th birthday on the day of the first stage.

Paolini has ridden the JCTDU three times already, between 2001 and 2003. "I remember this Australian race as a beautiful one: excellently organized and with summery weather," he said. "That's the ideal race to open the season."

Joining Paolini will be Manuel Quinziato, Michael Albasini, Daniele Colli, Nicola Loda, Marco Righetto and neo-pros Eros Capecchi and Mauro Da Dalto. The team will be managed by Dario Mariuzzo. For Quinziato and the neo-pros, it will also be their first race in the celeste colours.

The remaining 20 Liquigas riders are gathering in Cecina Mare, Italy, from January 12-21. The team will have its presentation on January 28 at the Blue Note jazz club in Milan, during the "Blue Note, Swing Team" event.