Team Orica-GreenEdge enjoying the top form at its UCI World Tour debut season
Team Orica-GreenEdge is making full use of its UCI World Tour status with numerous victories to its credit.
The side is currently seen in action at the Amgen Tour of California 2012 and is positive to find podium at the ongoing race.
The Australian side currently holds the sixth overall spot after the UCI Team’s Rankings as of 2012.
It has secured a total number of 402 UCI Points in its bag with maximum contributions coming through Simon Gerrans.
Gerrans registered the team’s first victory at the UCI Inaugural event Santos Tour Down Under and Michael Albasini registered 172 UCI points to help the team.
Allan Davis (8), Cameron Meyer (6) and Daryl Impey (6) also helped the team with their healthy contributions in the side.
Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step is leading the category with a total number of 547 points to its credit with Team Liquigas-Cannondale holding the second position (546).
Team Sky (531) is occupying the third spot while Team Katusha (522) and Team Astana (459) hold the next three positions after the classifications.
Team Sports Director Neil Stephens briefed, "It was a solid start, everyone is really happy to be racing here. We have a lot to gain from this race, and we're looking for every opportunity we can take".
"We had five riders in the front group – Cameron [Meyer], Pieter [Weening], Wes [Sulzberger], Luke [Durbridge] and Leigh – and they combined together to do a really good lead out”.
"We were well-poised for a good result. We're happy with fourth place, but we can't help but wonder what would have happened if Leigh hadn't hit the railroad track the way he did".
Leigh Howard of Team Orica-GreenEdge is holding the third overall position after the stage 2 classifications.
Peter Sagan of Team Liquigas-Cannondale is leading the classifications with Heinrich Haussler of Team Garmin-Barracuda holding the second position.
With six more stages to go at the Californian race, Leigh Howard has an ideal opportunity to bridge the gap for the coming stages of the race.
Howard is having a dry season and victory at the 201 version of the Amgen Tour of California will definitely help his confidence for the coming part of the season.
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