MATT GOSS will be one of two Australian rookies in this year's Tour de France, which starts on Saturday. But he is not allowing his inexperience in the world's biggest race to limit his ambition.
The Tasmanian, who in March became the first Australian to win the Milan-San Remo classic in Italy, realises that if things go perfectly, he could find himself in the yellow race leader's jersey by the end of the weekend because of his suitability to the challenges of the first two stages.
Briton Mark Cavendish will lead Goss's American HTC-Highroad team in its pursuit of stage wins in bunch sprints on flat stages, but Goss is a great option for the hillier sprint finishes.
One of those awaits him on Saturday's 191.5 kilometre first stage, from the Passage du Gois to Mont des Alouettes on top of a 2.2km climb that rises at an average gradient of 4.7 per cent and suits a strong, classic rider such as Goss, who has the power, punch and speed to jump the field.
Even if Goss does not win, a high finish would still place him well for a move into the yellow jersey in Sunday's 23km team time trial at Les Essarts.
Last night, Goss told the Herald that if he has the form and position, he will try to seize the opportunity. ''I have never done the Tour before, but I am not scared about it,'' he said. ''I am more interested to find out what it's about and I'm excited to see what that is.''
Asked about challenging for the yellow jersey, Goss said: ''[The first stage] is not easy. There is a bridge to cross with about 40 kilometres to go, and then it's very open and windy. Then it finishes on an uphill rise. If we have a good time team trial there is a possibly a chance for the yellow, white [best young rider] or green [points] jersey.''
Goss's selection for the 3430km Tour rounds off an exciting first half of the year. His early season form that saw him win eight races dipped in April, but he has re-emerged as a force, judging by his second on an uphill finish to stage eight of the recent Tour de Suisse.
The nine-man HTC-Highroad team named on Sunday night also includes NSW's Mark Renshaw, who will again race as the main leadout rider for Cavendish, who is still their number one star.
Last night Goss stressed that his ambitions would in no way impede the goals of Cavendish.
Goss said he and Cavendish had not discussed the green jersey competition, but had talked about the stage-winning chances they faced.
''We have spoken about the Tour and that there are a lot of stages we can win,'' Goss said. ''But I am happy to help him when he needs it and he is for me.''
The Tasmanian, who in March became the first Australian to win the Milan-San Remo classic in Italy, realises that if things go perfectly, he could find himself in the yellow race leader's jersey by the end of the weekend because of his suitability to the challenges of the first two stages.
Briton Mark Cavendish will lead Goss's American HTC-Highroad team in its pursuit of stage wins in bunch sprints on flat stages, but Goss is a great option for the hillier sprint finishes.
One of those awaits him on Saturday's 191.5 kilometre first stage, from the Passage du Gois to Mont des Alouettes on top of a 2.2km climb that rises at an average gradient of 4.7 per cent and suits a strong, classic rider such as Goss, who has the power, punch and speed to jump the field.
Even if Goss does not win, a high finish would still place him well for a move into the yellow jersey in Sunday's 23km team time trial at Les Essarts.
Last night, Goss told the Herald that if he has the form and position, he will try to seize the opportunity. ''I have never done the Tour before, but I am not scared about it,'' he said. ''I am more interested to find out what it's about and I'm excited to see what that is.''
Goss's selection for the 3430km Tour rounds off an exciting first half of the year. His early season form that saw him win eight races dipped in April, but he has re-emerged as a force, judging by his second on an uphill finish to stage eight of the recent Tour de Suisse.
The nine-man HTC-Highroad team named on Sunday night also includes NSW's Mark Renshaw, who will again race as the main leadout rider for Cavendish, who is still their number one star.
Last night Goss stressed that his ambitions would in no way impede the goals of Cavendish.
Goss said he and Cavendish had not discussed the green jersey competition, but had talked about the stage-winning chances they faced.
''We have spoken about the Tour and that there are a lot of stages we can win,'' Goss said. ''But I am happy to help him when he needs it and he is for me.''
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