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ANDERSON: My Australian cycling team of the century

Richie Porte could be on his way to BMC. (Photo: Graham Watson - grahamwatson.com.au)
Expert
20th November, 2014
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In recognition of the first Australian to ever ride the Tour de France, Cycling Australia have planned to name a nine-man team – the Australian Team of the century.

A cross generational selection is extremely difficult. Since my own success at the Tour as the first non-European and Australian to ever wear the maillot jaune, times have changed.

Australia was a third world cycling nation during my era, my success was a novelty that grew into opportunity for internationals to have teams built around them. The first was Greg LeMond and for Australia, finally Cadel Evans won the Tour de France.

There are many great riders who rode before the current crop of contenders whose names are being thrown about by various members of the media, ex-riders and more.

I have made a selection based on who I would want riding for myself ignoring the criteria established by the powers that be in Cycling Australia. Equally considering the validity of that exclusion I have created a second selection that also did not include me as self selection does not seem appropriate.

My dream team, would be the group I consider a comprehensive Tour de France team that would win the event for myself, sorry Cadel, including a number of stage wins by a strongly supported sprint and domestic team. Omissions are based on my pre-requisites for a team that could be the best possible given the talent pool that is cross generational and selected to the best of my ability.

The second considers the CA Criteria and excludes myself from GC as it would seem appropriate.

General Classification

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1. Cadel Evans 2. Cadel Evans
1. Phil Anderson 2. Richie Porte

Richie Porte has to be included in the GC category, the heir apparent of all the current Australian riders and the only rider other than Cadel and myself who has been designated a Grand Tour team leader.

Domestique
First choice without considering CA criteria Second Choice after the CA exclusion

1. Neil Stephens 2. Oppy
1. Stuart O’Grady 2. Adam Hanson

These categories remain unchanged.

Sprinter
Robbie McEwen

Sprinters Team
Mark Renshaw
Brett Lancaster

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It has to be said that in the annals of Australian cycling history and selection the regular omission of Mark Renshaw, a prodigious talent and team man has never ceased to amaze me.

All Rounder

1. Richie Porte 2. Simon Gerrans

Captain
Bradley Mcgee

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