Cycling's world governing body also granted the team similar permission for this year's event after the race was given ProTour status, guaranteeing participation by the world's top-ranked cycling teams.

The move meant a change of rules, with national teams not normally invited to ProTour events.

Next year it will allow some of Australia's leading young riders to compete against Tour de France great Lance Armstrong who plans to launch his return to the professional peloton in Adelaide.

The Tour Down Under runs from January 18-25.