Walker makes his debut

Will Walker stood out from the crowd yesterday due to his distinctive white, yellow and green Australian champion's jersey. One year ago he was building form prior to taking silver in the world under 23 road race championships; this time round, the first year professional is riding his first Grand Tour.

Understandably, he seemed both excited and apprehensive just before the team presentation. He outlined his expectations thus: "I have no plans as yet, I will just try to work for the team. My form is okay coming into it, pretty good, so we will see how it goes.

"I have been doing small tours and stuff until now. I did the Tour of Burgos before this, in Spain. This is my first Grand Tour...it is pretty exciting, it is going to be good. I have got a good team to ride with and learn from, so that is pretty cool."