Stuart O'Grady

Stuart OGrady 2005 TdF Stage 20 St Etienne ITT (cropped)

Silver medal olympic

Jersey rainbow

Gold medal blank

Gold medal blank

Silver medal blank

Stuart O'Grady (born 6 August 1973) is a retired Australian professional road bicycle racer and track cyclist. O'Grady competed in the professional peloton from 1995 to 2013 for several high-profile teams. He was known for his versatility, strength, and endurance, which enabled him to achieve significant success in both one-day classics and Grand Tour stages, as well as on the track. O'Grady's career highlights include winning Paris-Roubaix in 2007, wearing the Tour de France yellow jersey, and securing numerous track cycling world championships and Olympic medals.

Early Life and Career

Stuart O'Grady was born in Adelaide, South Australia, and began cycling at a young age, quickly showing promise in both road and track disciplines. He rose through the ranks of Australian cycling, making a name for himself on the international scene with his performances at junior and under-23 levels.

Professional Career

O'Grady turned professional in 1995 with the Gan team, which later became Crédit Agricole. Over his career, he rode for several other teams, including Team CSC, where he achieved one of his most notable victories by winning Paris-Roubaix in 2007. O'Grady was a versatile rider, excelling in the classics, stage races, and as a powerful domestique for his team leaders in Grand Tours.

In addition to his road racing achievements, O'Grady had a successful track cycling career. He won four Olympic medals, including a gold in the Madison at the 2004 Athens Olympics, partnering with Graeme Brown. O'Grady also claimed several World Championship titles on the track.

Controversy

In 2013, O'Grady admitted to using Erythropoietin (EPO) before the 1998 Tour de France, following the release of a French Senate report which implicated numerous riders in doping practices during that period. He retired from professional cycling shortly after this admission.

Retirement and Legacy

Following his retirement, O'Grady remained involved in cycling, including taking on roles such as race director for the Tour Down Under, Australia's premier road cycling event. His career is remembered for its longevity, success across multiple disciplines, and the controversy surrounding his doping admission.

O'Grady's contributions to cycling, both on the road and track, have made him a significant figure in Australian sports history. Despite the shadow cast by his doping admission, his achievements and versatility as a cyclist are widely respected.

See Also

• List of doping cases in cycling
• Paris-Roubaix winners
• Australian cyclists
• Olympic medalists in cycling