What to expect this year

Orica-GreenEDGE enjoyed a hugely successful second year in the WorldTour last season – just don’t mention the bus! Simon Gerrans and Daryl Impey both wore the yellow jersey at the Tour de France, while Michael Matthews stormed to two stage wins at the Vuelta a Espana. And with their first Grand Tour stage victories, the Australian team now look well-set to push on further in 2014 as their veteran riders make way for younger talent.

Stuart O’Grady and Baden Cooke have both retired, paving the way for younger riders like Cameron Meyer, 26, to play a bigger role this year. Matt Hayman, signed from Team Sky, will be a valuable domestique and road captain for his new team while newly-crowned national champion Gerrans looks set to lead the team’s charge at the Tour Down Under and the Ardennes Classics ahead of a Tour de France appearance. British twins Simon and Adam Yates have also both proved their potential at Nations Cup level and are keen to step up to the mark in their maiden professional year.

Who’s new for 2014?

Adam Yates (GBR) neo-pro, Simon Yates (GBR) neo-pro, Mathew Hayman (AUS) from Team Sky, Ivan Santaromita (ITA) from BMC Racing, Johan Esteban Chaves (COL) from Colombia, Caleb Ewan (AUS) neo pro, Damien Howson (AUS) from Team Jayco-AIS.

Who has left?

Baden Cooke (AUS) retired, Stuart O’Grady (AUS) retired, Wesley Sulzberger (AUS) to Drapac, Travis Meyer (AUS) to Drapac, Sebastian Langeveld (NED) to Garmin-Sharp, Fumiyuki Beppu (JAP) to Trek Factory Racing, Daniel Teklehaimanot (ERI) to MTN-Qhubeka, Jiyong Kang (KOR) to Korail, Allan Davis (AUS) released, Tomas Vaitkus (LTU) retired.

Riders to watch

Simon Gerrans – Newly-crowned Australian champion kickstarted the year in the perfect way and will want to continue that at Tour Down Under
Michael Matthews – Two Vuelta stage wins mark him as a sprint contender at the highest level
Daryl Impey – South Africa’s finest made history at last year’s Tour de France. Strong showings at the Eneco Tour and Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco point to more to come

Brits on board

Simon Yates – His Tour of Britain stage victory, ahead of the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins, prove he can mix it with the best and he will be keen to seize any opportunity he has to impress his new team.
Adam Yates – Second overall at the Tour de l’Avenir last season, Adam starts his season at this week’s Tour de San Luis. A favourable early impression against a high-class field including Nairo Quintana, Joaquim Rodriguez and Vincenzo Nibali would be the perfect start to his pro career.