Stuart O'Grady will contest the Tour de France for the 17th time equalling the appearance record

AUSSIE cyclist Stuart O'Grady is set to equal the Tour de France appearance record when he will compete for the 17th time.

Stuart O'Grady in action during the Tour Down Under.

AUSTRALIAN cyclist Stuart O'Grady is set to equal the Tour de France appearance record when he will compete for the 17th time in the famous French race.

The Australian team Orica-GreenEdge said on Wednesday that the 39-year-old would captain the team in the 100th edition of the three-week Tour which starts on June 29.

O'Grady's 17th consecutive appearance in the prestigious race will equal American George Hincapie's record.

O'Grady, who has said that he aims to compete until the end of next year's Tour, has supported three riders, Andy Schleck, Frank Schleck and Carlos Sastre, to six Tour de France overall podium finishes, including Sastre's victory in 2008.

Orica-GreenEdge Sport Director Matt White said that O'Grady had a lot to offer the team.

"Stuey knows his way around the bunch, and he knows his way around the Tour. He has experienced the yellow jersey, the green jersey, stage wins and everything in between. Having the sort of leadership that comes from his knowledge is invaluable," White said.