Orica losing its Australian edge

THE number of Australian riders on Orica-GreenEDGE’s 2016 squad has dropped to 11 — the lowest in its five year history.

Jack Haig competes in last year’s Tour Down Under. Photo Sarah Reed

THE number of Australian riders on Orica-GreenEDGE’s 2016 squad has dropped to 11 — the lowest in its five year history — but the team is adamant national representation remains at the core of its DNA.

Its commitment to the future of Australian cycling continues by signing young guns Jack Haig, Robert Power and Alex Edmondson who are graduates of Cycling Australia’s WorldTour Academy for next year.

But at the same time OGE has bid farewell to all-rounders Simon Clarke and Cameron Meyer and sprinter Leigh Howard who have joined rival teams while veteran Brett Lancaster is expected to retire.

Australian riders made up 54 per cent of the squad in its debut season in 2012 but that figure has dropped to 44 per cent in 2016 as the team pins its hopes on the likes of Colombian Esteban Chaves and British twins Simon and Adam Yates in Grand Tours.

Simon Gerrans remains the premier Australian rider on the roster and is expected to spearhead its summer of racing in search of a fourth Tour Down Under title in Adelaide in January.

Canberra’s Michael Matthews will lead the Spring Classics campaign after podium finishes in Milan-San Remo and Amstel Gold this year.

“With our Australian DNA and one of the most international rosters in the world, we have a team that can be there in every type of race from the Australian summer to the great European Classics and the prestigious Grand Tours,” team owner Gerry Ryan said.

“The line-up is our most exciting to date and it shows a team that really has it all — from the most significant talent in the sport to seasoned winners.”

This off-season has seen the biggest shift in rider personnel since the team was formed five years ago. Major new signings include Spanish pair Ruben Plaza and Amets Txurruka who will support Chaves in the mountains, while Slovenian Luka Mezgec is expected to bolster the lead-out for sprint star Caleb Ewan.

Sports director Matt White said he was excited by the prospect of bringing Aussie youngsters Edmondson, Power and Haig on board next year.

“At the heart we are an Australian team (and) it’s important for us to foster the country’s best young cycling talent and we believe we have that in these three guys,” White said.

“Rob and Jack are the only Australians in history to podium at the Tour de l’Avenir and Alex has really stepped up a notch this year too, his victory at the under-23 Tour of Flanders was a particular standout and another first for an Australian rider.

“We’re looking forward to seeing them grow and develop in our ranks for years to come.”

Edmondson and teammate Michael Hepburn will spend the first half of next year with Australia’s track team eyeing the Rio Olympics before returning to the road.

Australian riders at Orica-GreenEDGE

2012 — 17 of 31 at 54%

2013 — 16 of 31 at 51%

2014 — 12 of 25 at 48%

2015 — 12 of 26 at 46%

2016 — 11 of 25 at 44%

Originally published as Orica losing its Australian edge