Stuart O'Grady's Tour diary

Stuart O'Grady has a lot of Tour experience
Photo ©: Jon Devich

Australian Staurt O'Grady rides for Team CSC and is one of the most experienced riders in this year's Tour de France. The Aussie has already used up all the bad luck for the past year, returning from a horrible crash in the 2007 Tour and a broken collarbone in the 2008 Giro. O'Grady has won two stages in the Tour de France. He finished second in the points classification four times and has worn the yellow jersey. Things are looking promising for 2008 and Stuey will keep Cyclingnews' readers informed via his diary.

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Friday, July 18, 2008

Stage 13

Today's stage was again on small roads and there was a lot of wind, which made for a nervous start. The bunch was more than happy to let a couple of Frenchies take off and get their TV time, while everyone else was happy to conserve their energy and look after their team-mates.

It turned out to be probably the easiest stage, yet it was nervous and dangerous at the end, but it was a pretty good day overall. We stayed up the front, keeping out of any trouble and just made sure to keep the fluids coming in. It was up around 38 degrees in the sun and I was loving every bit of it!

I'm feeling better and better as the race goes on. Cavendish is certainly proving he's the quickest man on two wheels during this Tour de France, and its got to be annoying the other sprinters. Usually when a sprinter has won one or two stages they kind of go into cruise control and are just relieved to have the pressure off, but this young guy just keeps on winning. Hats off to him and his team-mates, they're doing a great job.

Until tomorrow.

Stuart