Pell’s victory in the recently-run Grafton-to-Inverell clinched the national road series for title 2008.

Pell, 27, was second on the opening stage of last year’s Tour, sandwiched between Matt Wilson and Baden Cooke, before going on to finish 11th in the general classification.

With the support of the strong Savings & Loans team, Pell is looking to better his 2007 performance.

`“I always go in nervous and excited,’’ Pell said.

“My aim is to improve on last year. but there are so many great riders competing, so any result along the way will be great for the team,’’ Pell said.

According to Pell, Savings & Loans will have plenty of options this year, with 18-year-old South Australian Tim Roe part of the team.

“Tim was second in the national road series and could be the find of this year’s Tour,’’ Pell said.

“He will be able to climb with the best guys, so he could be a real surprise packet for the Tour, whether for general classification or even a stage.’’

One advantage Pell will have on the internationals is his knowledge of the course.

“I have raced in the area a lot when I was younger and this year’s course will be tough.

”The climb to Mount Buller will be a big test for me and everyone in the race.’’

The sprinting ability of Joel Pearson and Russell Gill will be to the fore on the flat stages.

Pearson, 25, will be keen to achieve victory in his former hometown of Warragul.

Gill, 21, is the reigning Australian under-23 criterium champion.

Completing the seven-man team will be Chris Luxton, Will Dickeson and Brad Edmunds.

A former in-line skating world champion Luxton, 33, is in his first season with Savings & Loans.

Dickeson, 25, was second in the road race at this year’s Oceania championships.

Edmunds, 26, will fulfill a lifelong dream by riding the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

The tour starts in Traralgon on October 12 and finishes in Lygon Street, Carlton, on October 18.