Adam and Simon Yates will join Orica-GreenEDGE’s hunt for stage wins after the Bury-born twins were confirmed in the Australian team’s nine-man Tour de France squad.
In a team headlined by Simon Gerrans, a stage winner and wearer of the yellow jersey in 2013, and Michael Matthews, who has worn the leader’s jersey at his last three Grand Tours, DS Matt White believes the team will have opportunities throughout the three weeks.
And despite strong GC showings for Orica-GreenEDGE in one-week WorldTour races, the 22-year-old Brits will be under no pressure for the overall, with stage wins the order of the day.
“I think it would be pretty irresponsible for us to put pressure on 22-year-olds, as second year pros, to ride general classification at the Tour de France,” White said. “For both of them, it’s the first Tour de France they are aiming on finishing and so the plan is to gain more experience at the highest level in our sport.
“What they have proven this year is that they have the ability to be very competitive on a lot of varied terrains and against the best riders in the world.
“We are aiming to win a stage with them. If they can hunt out the right move, then on any given day they certainly have the ability to win.”
There will also be no pressure on Matthews to win the green jersey, with White claiming the focus is solely on winning stages to add to his burgeoning reputation.
He and Gerrans will be supported by Michael Albasini and Daryl Impey, while the experienced Pieter Weening is in to support the Yates brothers.
Luke Durbridge and Svein Tuft complete the line-up, offering plenty of power and also buoying their hopes of a repeat of their 2013 team time trial victory.
White concluded: “This is the most well-rounded and balanced team we have ever sent to a Grand Tour.
“We have a lot of opportunities right throughout the three weeks, whereas at Tours in the past we haven’t had guys who can win high mountain stages.”
“The goal for us is stage victories and because of the quality of this team, everyone will be given a chance to win a stage. With so many options right across the board, the month ahead is a pretty exciting prospect.”
Will either of the Yates twins be in your nine-man Fantasy Tour de France line-up? Or do Orica-GreenEDGE’s other ‘stage hunters’ make the cut? Pick your team at fantasycycling.roadcyclinguk.com.Orica-GreenEDGE for 2015 Tour de France
Simon Yates (GBR)
Adam Yates (GBR)
Simon Gerrans (AUS)
Michael Matthews (AUS)
Michael Albasini (SUI)
Daryl Impey (RSA)
Pieter Weening (NED)
Luke Durbridge (AUS)
Svein Tuft (CAN)
