Richie Porte: Catalunya victory gives me belief in my ability
Richie Porte followed up his Paris-Nice win with victory at the Volta a Catalunya and the 30-year-old says it now gives him the confidence to attack the Giro head on

Richie Porte on the podium after taking the overall lead during Stage 5 of the 2015 Tour of Catalonia
Richie Porte admits his win at the Volta a Catalunya has boosted his confidence ahead of his tilt at the Giro d’Italia title in May and says he’s thirsty for more victories.
The Australian currently leads the UCI WorldTour rankings, having triumphed at both Paris-Nice and Catalunya, coming off the back of a frustrating 2014 season that was marred by illness and injury.
In an interview with Cyclingtips.au, Porte said the win in Spain has given him the belief that he can go on and challenge the likes of Alberto Contador in the Italian mountains when the Giro starts on May 9.
“Obviously it’s a massive confidence boost. I’ve been dedicated for the last five or so months, getting my health back to where it needs to be but also working on weight and things like that, which is pretty crucial as a bike rider,” he said.
“If my season was to finish now I’ve already had an incredible season but I want more. I want to hit the Giro and take these guys on on these longer climbs.
“It’s one thing to win Paris-Nice where everybody said it wasn’t a strong field…but to go to Catalunya and win the race on a parcours that didn’t suit me? It’s given me a bit more belief in my ability at the moment.”
>>> Faster than Lance: Richie Porte smashes Madone record again
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Porte was due to lead Team Sky in the Italian Grand Tour last year, but was forced to withdraw after suffering with gastroenteritis in the spring. But the 30-year-old is back to full health and will be supported by the likes of Leopold Koenig, Vasil Kiryienka and David Lopez at the Giro this time around and admits that a top-three finish is his minimum expectation.
“A podium is massive, let’s not lose sight of that,” he said. “For me it’s all about the podium and as high up that podium as it can be.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
'Cycling is already a niche, and it seems like drawbridges are being pulled up': Netflix cancelling Tour de France: Unchained is yet another blow
After Eurosport's closure, Netflix scrapping its entertaining Tour de France show removes a gateway into the sport
By Adam Becket Published
-
Netflix cancels Tour de France series after three seasons
Streaming platform has decided to "explore new territories in the world of sport"
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Rim brakes no more: Every WorldTour bike in 2025 to use discs after final switch
Bianchi's new time trial bike bids farewell to the beloved rim brake
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'A stage win in the Tour de France really changed my profile': Steve Cummings on working as a chef, idolising Michele Bartoli, and playing football like Trent Alexander-Arnold
Jayco-AlUla Sports Director discusses his most significant career victory and how he got into cycling
By Tom Thewlis Published
-