Stuart O'Grady

Stuart O'Grady made his Olympic debut at the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona, Spain. At just 19 years old, he competed in the team pursuit event as part of the Australian cycling team. This marked the beginning of his Olympic career, which would see him compete in six consecutive Olympic Games and win four Olympic medals.

Stuart O'Grady was born on August 6, 1973, in Adelaide, South Australia. He would go on to become one of Australia's most celebrated cyclists, known for his versatility and achievements on the track and road. O'Grady's career spanned numerous victories and accolades, marking him as a prominent figure in the world of cycling.

In 1995, Stuart O'Grady won the gold medal in the Madison event at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships. Alongside his partner, he showcased exceptional skill and teamwork to secure victory for Australia. This accomplishment highlighted O'Grady's versatility and strength as a cyclist, demonstrating his ability to excel in both track and road disciplines.

Stuart O'Grady participated in his first Tour de France in 1997 while riding for the GAN team. This marked the beginning of his long association with the prestigious cycling race, where he displayed remarkable consistent performances over the years, including wearing the yellow jersey and winning several stages.

Stuart O'Grady won his first Tour de France stage in 1998. The victory came during Stage 14, from Tarascon-sur-Ariège to Cap d'Agde. O'Grady's sprinting ability allowed him to claim the prestigious stage win, further cementing his reputation as a formidable rider on the international stage.

At the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Stuart O'Grady, alongside his teammate Graeme Brown, won the gold medal in the Madison event. This victory was a career highlight for O'Grady, showcasing his track cycling prowess. The gold medal was the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, as well as an essential addition to Australia's Olympic success in cycling.

In 2007, Stuart O'Grady achieved one of the most notable victories of his career by winning the Paris-Roubaix, one of the oldest and most prestigious one-day professional bicycle road races. Known as the 'Hell of the North' because of its rough terrain and cobblestones, O'Grady's triumph was hailed as a significant achievement in the world of cycling.

By completing the 2011 Tour de France, Stuart O'Grady set a record for the most appearances by an Australian cyclist in the Tour, with a total of 15 participations. This achievement underscored O'Grady's enduring presence and resilience in one of cycling's most challenging events and highlighted his impressive career longevity.

Stuart O'Grady announced his retirement from professional cycling in 2013, shortly after the completion of that year's Tour de France. Over a career spanning more than two decades, O'Grady had become one of the most successful Australian cyclists, known for his versatility, tenacity, and his contributions to both track and road cycling.

Shortly after announcing his retirement, Stuart O'Grady admitted to using the banned blood booster EPO prior to the 1998 Tour de France. This revelation came as part of a broader inquiry into doping within Australian sport. The admission was a notable event in his career, prompting further discussion about ethics and drug use in competitive cycling.