AUSTRALIAN VETERAN Stuart O’Grady has backed his Orica-GreenEDGE team-mate Matt Goss to win the green jersey at the 2012 Tour de France.
O’Grady has become a domestique or ‘work-horse’ in the latter stages of his career but the 38-year-old believes his previous experience as a sprinter should help Goss in his quest to win the points classification.
GreenEDGE’s road captain finished second in the green jersey standings in 2001 and 2005 as well as third in 2002.
“Once upon a time I was sprinting for the green jersey so I know what it takes,” O’Grady told www.cyclingnews.com. ”I know when and when not to expend energy so hopefully I’ll be trying to pass on all my knowledge to Gossy and the boys so we can hopefully go for the green jersey with Gossy in Paris.”
GreenEDGE head into their first ever Tour de France without a serious yellow jersey contender. While Goss’ green jersey bid is the Australian team’s main focus, O’Grady believes all GreenEDGE riders will be given time in the spotlight.
“The beauty of not having a GC (general classification) rider is that it doesn’t shut the whole team down,” O’Grady said. ”Everyone’s going to get their chance whether it be (Michael) Albasini (or Simon) Gerrans.
“Everyone’s going to have their own crack at a stage. I’m sure I’ll have the opportunity but at the end of the day it comes down to a bit of luck and legs on your side.”
Having raced in the Tour de Suisse, O’Grady believes he is absolutely ready for the biggest road cycling race in the world.
“Switzerland was a really important race, not only physically, but mentally as well,” O’Grady said. ”We had some super-hard days.
“There were a couple of stages where it was very much as you’d expect in the Tour de France, some big high mountains and I got through.”
