It will be, like last year, one of the catchphrases of the season: who is the captain of the Ineos Grenadiers ?

Even for the Tour Down Under , which has been running since Tuesday morning (please, you have to line up fifteen minutes before the start, follow us to find out the exact start times), the British team has at least three riders able to aim to the general classification.

Starring former Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas, who will start the Australian stage race for the ninth time in his career and will look to improve on his best Down Under finish, a third place in 2013. Alongside him is Ethan Hayter, a serious contender for the overall win and stage wins.

Freshly crowned with his second Australian title, Luke Plapp will also be keen to shine on his fine form on home turf.

To this fine list we must add the young American Magnus Sheffield , who should act as a luxury wingman and also as a potential outsider.

German Kim Heiduk , British expert Ben Swift and neo-pro Leo Hayter – in what will be Ethan 's younger brother's first World Tour race – complete a squad that should be big favorites to win the event.

And that, we are sure, will continue with the same standard throughout the year (most favorites in the same race). Who do you bet on?

Photo Sprint Cycling

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