Orica-GreenEDGE with options in Liège

Orica-GreenEDGE may have the defending champion within its ranks but the team will have a variety of options in Sunday's Liège-Bastogne–Liège.

Michael Albasini (left) and Simon Yates are two Orica-GreenEDGE dark horses for Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

After an injury-filled start to the year Simon Gerrans does not have the same form as when he claimed the Liège-Bastogne–Liège crown last year.

Instead the 34-year-old will be just one option for Orica-GreenEDGE in the final Ardennes race.

Alongside Gerrans, young British climber Simon Yates is a key card for the team, as is Michael Albasini who finished third in Wednesday's Fleche Wallonne.

“To win Liège - Bastogne – Liège and retain the title, which I think is the hardest of the Classics for the climbers, is a big ask,” said sport director Matt White.

“Last year I believed we could get a big result and we did. This year due to Simon Gerrans’ preparation, he is a couple of weeks short of being at top form.

“Are we going to be competitive? Yes, I think we can be.

“We are going to go in with multiple options for the final, but it’ll be determined in the last hour or two of the race how we change our tactics.

“We have numerous guys like Michael Albasini, Simon Yates and Simon Gerrans who will be up there.”

Orica-GreenEDGE for Liège-Bastogne-Liège: Michael Albasini (SWI), Esteban Chaves (COL), Simon Clarke (AUS), Luke Durbridge (AUS), Simon Gerrans (AUS), Daryl Impey (RSA), Pieter Weening (NED), Simon Yates (GBR)

SBS will broadcast Liège - Bastogne – Liège live on Sunday 26 April.