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Saint-L - For Simon Gerrans the Tour de France is either great or awful, but certainly never dull.
The 36-year-old won an individual stage and wore the race leader's yellow jersey in 2013 but crashed out of the last two editions of the world's most prestigious cycle race.
So this year, he's not expecting things to be any different.
"One thing I've learnt is that the Tour goes one way or the other -- it either goes spectacularly well or it goes spectacularly badly," said the Orica-GreeEdge rider.
"I've experienced both; in 2013 the Tour was a dream come true for the team and then I broke bones in both the Tours since.
"If I can get through the first week unscathed then I'll be halfway there."
Gerrans, alongside compatriot and teammate Michael Matthews, will be targeting the second stage for a possible stage win and perhaps another opportunity to don the yellow jersey.
That offers an uphill sprint finish which should prove beyond the out-and-out sprinters but play into the hands of the likes of the Orica pair.
But whatever happens, Gerrans says his team-mates should try to enjoy the experience as he knows only too well how quickly it can be over, having completed only three stages combined over the last two years.
"If I've got some advice to give the guys here it's enjoy the show, get out there and give it 100%," said Gerrans.
