He’s determined to win stages in the race but Matt Goss also has his eye on possibly fighting for the overall classification in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour, which begins on January 3rd.
The Orica GreenEdge rider will line out in the event as part of the Australian national team, joining fellow WorldTour-level riders Simon Gerrans, Simon Clarke and the defending champion Nathan Haas (Garmin Sharp).
As the race is not on the UCI calendar in 2013, WorldTour teams cannot take part. Goss, Gerrans, Clarke and Haas can compete as they will don national colours in the event.
On paper at least, the other three riders are better uphill, but Goss doesn’t completely rule out fighting for the final honours. He’s won Milan-Sanremo in the past and so can hold his own when he’s in top shape.
“The Tour has quite a few challenging climbs, so for me it’s about waiting to see how the race unfolds to know if I will be in the mix towards the end of some of the more hillier stages, and therefore in with a shot at the overall title,” he said.
“Stage wins on the two flatter stages are more likely to be my focus, or even a stab at the point’s jersey again.”
Given his finishing speed, he could top the podium early on as the first road stage should play to his strengths. “If there is still a big group still together over Mount Macedon and coming into Bendigo, it is definitely one to keep your eye on,” he said. “It will make for a pretty entertaining finish as a bunch sprint on the velodrome.”
The Tasmanian won the points classification in the race in 2008 and has since gone on to bigger results. He took the Sanremo Classic in 2011 and has also taken stages in the Giro d’Italia, Paris-Nice and the Tours of California, Oman and Denmark. He’s also won the GP Ouest France and taken second in the world road race championship.
The Jayco Herald Sun Tour will begin on Thursday January 3rd with a 4.8 kilometre Williamstown prologue. Those taking part will race flat out in the event, both to secure their best possible performances but also to prepare for the national championships and the Santos Tour Down Under.
Jayco Herald Sun Tour:
Prologue - Thursday, 3 January – Williamstown ITT – 4.8km
Stage 1 - Friday, 4 January - Melbourne (Sunbury) to Bendigo – 144km
Stage 2 - Saturday, 5 January - Mitchelton Winery to Healesville – 145km
Stage 3 - Sunday, 6 January – Moonah Links to Arthurs Seat – 90km