Patrick Bevin (CCC Team) will return to the Tour Down Under later this month, nearly a year after crashing at the Tour Down Under and losing the leader's jersey on the final day.

Bevin, 28, won the second stage of the 2019 Tour Down Under and was the race leader for four days. However, he suffered a major crash on stage 5 and started the final stage to Willunga Hill, but was unable to stop a rampaging Daryl Impey from winning his second Tour Down Under.

"I am really looking forward to starting the 2020 season with the Santos Tour Down Under," Bevin declared in a press release issued by the team.

"Last year it was great to win a stage, lead the race for most of the week, and win the points jersey. But being so close to winning the overall is a painful memory for me. But being so close to the overall win will always be a tough memory for me.

Bevin will be supported by a strong and experienced CCC team as he faces Mitchelton Scott, Trek-Segafredo led by Richie Porte, and Team Ineos led by Rohan Dennis. The race will again conclude on Willunga Hill, but there are several stages that will be in the hands of GC contender candidates.

"I think the Tour Down Under will be harder this year, but I really like the course. I'm glad they brought back the Sterling finish. I think it's going to be a tough race overall and there will be some bonus seconds battles from the first stage.

Sports Director Jackson Stewart is confident that Bevin will once again be in the mix for the overall standings. Like Bevin, the sports director stressed that the stage to Stirling could be a pivotal day in the race.

"Looking at the race route this year, the main difference from last year is the finish in Paracombe on stage 3. As in previous years, explosive climbers will be able to gain valuable time and earn bonus seconds in the overall standings. Stewart said, "I expect the GC teams to take control of the race early in the decisive mid-race stage.

"We bring a strong and motivated roster to support Patrick Bevin, who has shown his ability in 2019. I think we got off to a better start in the Tour Down Under than many expected, and after last year's success, we are naturally looking for a stage win this year. But it's a new year, a new race. I have motivation and confidence from last year's performance, but I expect a strong field and I don't intend to line up as a favorite to win."

CCC teams competing in the 2020 Tour Down Under: Patrick Bevin (NZ), Josef Cerny (CZE), Simon Geschke (GER), Simon Sajinok (POL), Joey Roskov (USA), Francisco Ventoso (ESP), Ukasz Wisniewski (POL).