Having finished on the podium in the first two editions, Orica-GreenEDGE go into the World Team Time Trial Championships gunning for the win and they have lined up a formidbale line-up of time triallists. Four of the riders have all won medals at World Time Trial Championships and they are backed by strong veterans Jens Mouris and Brett Lancaster.

ORICA-GreenEDGE has named an ambitious lineup for the UCI Team Time Trial World Championship to be held in Ponferrada, Spain this Sunday.

With proven success in the discipline, including stage wins at the 2013 Tour de France and 2014 Giro d’Italia, the goal for the outfit is direct.

“We’re going to the world championships for one reason and that is to win the gold medal,” sport director Matt White said.

The six riders for the 2014 UCI Team Time Trial World Championship are: Brett Lancaster, Damien Howson, Jens Mouris, Luke Durbridge, Michael Hepburn and Svein Tuft.

Amongst them features an under 23 individual time trial world champion in Damien Howson and two current national champions in Michael Hepburn (Australia) and Svein Tuft (Canada).

Having won bronze and silver medals in the two editions so far, ORICA-GreenEDGE is searching for that elussive gold to complete their collection.

“We have made good progression over the last three years,” White continued.

“We finished third, a little off the pace, in our first attempt two years ago.  Last year we were agonisingly close which was incredible when you think the race was over one hour and four minutes and we lost by 0.8 of a second.”

The group is well drilled, the majority have been working together in the numerous team time trial successes over the past two years and the discipline has been a major objective on their 2014 programs.

“We have three guys who have ridden all three editions,” White said.

“The only new addition to the team is Damien Howson but he is no stranger to world championships as he was the world champion last year in the under 23 individual time trial.

“Apart from Damien, it’s a group that has worked together a fair amount over the last couple of years with guys from the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and last year’s world championships – all events that we have had success in.”

Coming from a training and selection camp in Girona, White is confident the mixed line up has the depth to deliver on the 57.1km course.

“I am happy with the group we have assembled,” White said.

“It’s a good combination of youth and solid experience.  Half of our team is under 23 years of age and the other half are well into the thirties. 

“It’s a mixed group but it’s a phenomenal group, especially on this course.”

ORICA-GreenEDGE at the UCI Team Time Trial World Championships:
Brett Lancaster
Damien Howson
Jens Mouris
Luke Durbridge
Michael Hepburn
Svein Tuft