Stuart O'Grady

Stuart O’Grady OAM is a distinguished Australian former professional road and track cyclist, celebrated for his illustrious career spanning from 1995 to 2013. A two-time World Champion on the track, Stuart achieved Olympic gold in the Men’s Madison alongside Graeme Brown at the 2004 Summer Olympics, marking one of the highlights of his six Olympic appearances from 1992 to 2012. His Olympic journey culminated in four medals total out of six Olympic Games, underscoring his enduring prowess on cycling’s grandest stages.

Stuart’s legacy in the Tour de France is equally impressive, having participated 17 times since his debut in 1997. His tenacity on the road saw him contest for the prestigious green jersey multiple times, finishing as a runner-up in 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2005. Notable, he wore the yellow jersey of general classification leader for 9 days across the 1998 and 2001 editions, further solidifying his status as a formidable force in the peloton. In the 2005 Australia Day Honours, Stuart O’Grady was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and is the current Race Director of the Tour Down Under.

Beyond the Tour de France, Stuart achieved a monumental victory at the 2007 Paris-Roubaix, embedding his name in history as the first Australian to triumph in a major classic. His career highlights extend to victories in prestigious races such as the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré and the HEW Cyclassics, showcasing his versatility and enduring competitiveness.

Despite setbacks including injuries and a highly publicised doping admission in relation to the 1998 Tour de France, Stuart remained resilient throughout his career, earning acclaim not only for his athletic achievements but also for his role as a vocal critic of doping within the sport.

Following his retirement from competitive cycling in 2013, Stuart established and funds CSC Team O’Grady, a development squad nurturing young Australian cyclists, launched in 2005. He currently serves as a member of the ‘Champions for Peace’ club, an assembly of 54 renowned athletes dedicated to promoting global peace through sports. In recognition of his contributions to cycling and community, the Stuart O’Grady Bikeway, located in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, is named in his honour. Stuart O’Grady continues to inspire as a prominent figure in cycling commentary and advocacy, embodying the spirit of perseverance and sportsmanship that defines his enduring legacy in the world of cycling.