Chris Froome returns to the Tour Down Under for the first time since 2010 and joins two-time champion Daryl Impey in the Israel Premier Tech lineup.

Froome's start to the 2022 season was delayed by injury, but he is eager to build momentum early in 2023 after showing flashes of his former form last summer on the long road to recovery from his accident in 2019.

The four-time Tour de France champion will be competing in the six-day event for only the second time in his career, having last competed in his debut season with Team Sky before his big breakthrough. He then raced in Australia in 2016, winning the Herald Sun Tour and again in 2017, but this will be his return to the World Tour opener.

Froom said he would like to be in the season opener, but that also applies to teams operating at the second division professional team level after being demoted from the World Tour and having to rely on wildcard invitations to the Tour Down Under.

"I am really excited to be back in Adelaide for the Santos Tour Down Under for the second time in my career. This race has changed a lot since I joined in 2010 and has grown in size over the years and is now one of the most important races on the cycling calendar."

"The Aussie fans are some of the best in the world and I can't wait to be back on their home turf to cheer them on. We have a strong team and we are looking forward to the opportunity to play in the Aussie Cup. We have a strong team and I think we can start off with a great result."

Froom will be alongside veteran Daryl Impey, who won back-to-back Tour Down Under titles in 2018 and 2019. However, the South African native, who will retire at the end of 2023, will play a supporting role as 22-year-old Corbin Strong takes the lead role.

"The Santos Tour Down Under is always an exciting race and I love it. The Santos Tour Down Under is always an exciting race and a place I love.

"Even though I got a late invite, I hope to do my best there and support Corbin Strong and the rest of the team deep into the final. My role will be a little different from previous years, but I'm motivated and want to give the best I have when we kick off the 2023 season in Adelaide."

Strong is a 22-year-old Australian who has track experience and is generally a group finisher who often plays an important role in tight Tour Down Under races.

The Israeli Premier Tech team also includes Tour de France stage winner Simon Clark, Sebastian Berwick, Derek Gee, and Taj Jones. Sam Bury will be racing for the first time as sporting director after retiring from racing at the end of 2022.

The Tour Down Under will begin with a prologue on January 17, but these riders will compete in the Schwalbe Classic criterium on January 14.