The Slovakian star triumphed in the men's road race at the World Championships in Doha in October, with the victory seeing him defend his title.

While his success in the Qatari capital saw him retain the rainbow stripes - which are worn by the world champion - he will be displaying them for a new team this season after moving to Bora-Hansgrohe from the now defunct Tinkoff. 

Sagan, who won the overall WorldTour title in 2016, could feature at the heart of proceedings on the opening day of the six stage event, with the first 145 kilometre leg from Unley to Lyndoch expected to end in a sprint finish.

He will likely face the challenge of Australia’s Caleb Ewan, who beat Ireland’s Sam Bennett and Sagan in a sprint finish to win the pre-event criterium race, the People’s Choice Classic.

Ewan won both the opening and closing stages of last year’s Tour Down Under and the Orica–Scott rider will hope to be in the thick of the action again in front of a home crowd.

Australian riders won all six stages of last year’s race, with Orica–Scott's Simon Gerrans also going on to win the overall classification for the fourth time.

The record winner will hope to become the first man to successfully defend the title, but will face the challenge of his compatriot and BMC Racing rider Richie Porte.

Colombian Esteban Chaves, another Orica-Scott rider, and Britain's Team Sky man Geraint Thomas have also been touted as potential contenders for the overall victory as the WorldTour season gets underway.

The race will conclude in Adelaide on January 22.