Last year he was unlucky to be runner up in one of the closest ever green jersey finishes with Erik Zabel.

He started the final day's racing ahead of the German on points but was nudged out of contention on the streets of Paris.

Aside from his green jersey bid, O'Grady has also worn the yellow jersey in two different Tours.

Away from the Tour, the Australian has had prolific success in the Olympics, the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

O'Grady, though, is more than just a sprinter and finished a credible 54th in last year's race.

His progress this time around has been hit by a serious injury setback.

He underwent an operation on his iliac artery and was forced to miss two months of the season as a result.

He will follow up this summer's Tour de France with the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.