- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
In-form Australian Luke Durbridge is talking up his chances of a repeat overall success at the Circuit Cycliste Sarthe stage race.
Durbridge has the overall lead in France after a tight win in Wednesday’s third-stage time trial.
The West Australian scored his first professional win in Europe in the same stage last year and went on to take the overall Circuit Sarthe title.
It will be harder to win again overall, but Durbridge is confident.
If he cannot hold onto the lead, Durbridge said Orica-GreenEDGE teammates Cameron Meyer and Svein Tuft are also strong contenders.
“The next two road stages are a bit more difficult than the last two stages last year,” Durbridge said in a team statement.
“It’s not ideal, but I think my road condition is better than last year.
“I’m going in with every intention to defend the jersey until the finish.
“We have options to play with Cam Meyer … and Svein.”
Durbridge beat Luxembourg rider Bob Jungels (RadioShack Leopard) in the 6.8km time trial by less than a second.
They have the same time at the top of the overall standings ahead of the last two road stages.
Fellow West Australian Meyer is third overall, only one second behind them.
Tuft, from Canada, is fifth on the standings at four seconds.
Another Orica-GreenEDGE rider, Australian Michael Hepburn, is 10th overall at seven seconds.
“Having Cam and Svein close to me on the overall is to our advantage,” Durbridge said.
“We can send one of them up the road to take the pressure off the rest of us.
“We have options and we’ll discuss all of them in our team meeting.”
Durbridge, who turns 22 next week, started the year with an outstanding performance at the Australian road championships.
He won the elite men’s time trial and road race, a feat which no-one had achieved since the nationals were revamped in 1999.
Fancy a wager on your favourite sport? Head on over to PlayUp for great odds and friendly customer service and pick a winner. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.