South Africa's MTN-Qhubeka To Become Continent's First Team To Race Tour De France

South African cycling team MTN-Qhubeka will become the first African team to race the Tour de France after being awarded "one of five wildcard entries" to the '15 event, according to the London GUARDIAN. The team had signed a "number of high-profile riders" to boost its hopes of selection, including Sky all-rounder Edvald Boasson Hagen, Steve Cummings, Theo Bos and Tyler Farrar. MTN-Qhubeka GM Brian Smith said in October, "I'd like to think that the green jersey is an option to target but we'll certainly be riding for stage wins." The other wildcards are Bora-Argon 18, Cofidis, Bretagne-Séché Environment and Europcar (GUARDIAN, 1/14).

TOUR DOWN UNDER: The AAP reported organizers of the Tour Down Under said that "all six stages of the cycling event will go ahead as planned after a bushfire destroyed 27 homes in the Adelaide Hills." There were concerns fallen trees "could pose a safety risk in the Hills stages" but organizers have been given the "green light to proceed after safety audits" (AAP, 1/13).