KEY POINTS:
A South Australian professional team could make it tough for Hayden Roulston and his Zookeepers team to retain their Cycle Classic title beginning in Lower Hutt next month.
The five-day, 564km race around Wellington and the Wairarapa will be held from January 24 to 28.
Olympic gold medallist Brett Aitken and Australian road champion Russell Van Hout will lead the Savings and Loans professional team.
The team were granted a professional licence by the International Cycling Union to compete in the Oceania Pro Tour during 2006-2007.
They are third on the UCI road rankings for the Oceania Tour.
