CENTRAL Victorian cycling star Zak Dempster will play a crucial role for Bora-Argon 18 when his second Tour de France campaign begins this Saturday in The Netherlands.
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A gruelling battle covers 3360km and lasts 21 days in which riders will race through Belgium on the way to France.
Dempster is among 10 Australians who will contest the biggest road classic in the world.
“Of course it means a lot,” Dempster said of his selection in the team of nine.
“The Tour de France is the pinnacle of cycling bar none, so I feel really proud of the achievement and grateful for all the support I've received along the way.”
His role in 2015 will vary greatly from his debut a year ago.
“Sam Bennett was on the team last year, but didn't do the tour, so my primary role will be as lead out man for him.
“Dominik Nerz came on board too, he'll be our man for the mountains.”
Although his primary role is to assist Bennett win on flatter stages, Dempster could put his sprinting prowess to use and chase stage victory.
“Of course if there's an opportunity to go for a result myself, they won't have to tell me twice.”
His lead-up to the Tour was vastly different to his first start.
“I've tried to focus on getting a bit more punch for the finishes as my role changed from being a smooth rider that looks after a climber to looking after a sprinter and trying to launch him as close to the line as possible.”
Dempster said the experience from last year will be a huge plus this time around.
“The entire first week is crazy, everyday will be like a classic, wind, cobbles, steep climbs. Then after stage nine, you are in the mountains until Paris.”
Dempster’s journey to race cycling’s elite began in Castlemaine and rolled on when based in Bendigo.
Career highs include a Melbourne to Warrnambool victory, and Bendigo International Madison.
He is a mutliple monthly winner in the Bendigo Advertiser Sports Star of the Year award. Sports Star is backed by Bendigo Bank and Prime 7.