Winning the Tour Down Under an 'incredible relief' for Richie Porte
BMC Racing management seeing good early signs as Porte builds towards the Tour de France
Richie Porte has said that it was an "incredible relief" to have finally won the Tour Down Under after securing overall victory by 48 seconds on Sunday.
Porte has finished fourth in the race in 2014, before finishing second in 2015 and 2016, and seemed satisfied to have finally won a race that has long eluded him.
"It's an incredible relief to have won," Porte said after confirming his victory on stage six in Adelaide.
"I think back to nine years ago when this race really kicked off my career. This is where I came a wild card, then two years later I was in the WorldTour. So to win it is a massive relief."
>>> Five things we learned from the 2017 Tour Down Under
Porte was also pleased with the performance of his team, who looked after him well throughout the race.
"Quite a few of the guys here will do a program in the lead up to the Tour de France with me. That's exciting that I've got a team built around me for the first time ever.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"I've often been the plan B but BMC Racing Team has put a lot of faith in me this year. I think today I've shown that I can repay that faith they've put in me."
Watch: Tour Down Under stage five highlights
Inevitably the performance will be used as an early indication of Porte's shape as he builds towards the Tour de France in July, and BMC Racing sports director Fabio Baldato was pleased with his man's early season form.
"I'm really, really proud of Richie Porte and the entire team. We came here wanting to win with Richie and he was really motivated for a good result, and good start to the season. The team was just perfect.
>>> How unpredictable racing could help Richie Porte beat Chris Froome at the Tour de France
"I think this is a really good sign for Richie for the rest of the season. To start the year here well on home soil gives him a lot of confidence for when he returns to Europe."
Porte will now spend a few more weeks in Australia, competing at the Great Ocean Road Race on January 29, before starting his European season at Paris-Nice in March.
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
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Has cycling's most affordable pro bike brand just launched its aero machine?
Van Rysel set to equip Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale with new RCR-F in 2025
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Even if you ride a lot, here's why you shouldn't skip leg day at the gym
Think your legs get enough exercise? A little gym time can unlock big strength and performance gains.
By Greg Kaplan Published
-
French pro cyclist suffering with memory loss after Tour Down Under crash
‘I have no memory of the crash’ says Rudy Molard of Groupama FDJ after incident in Australia
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I don't know if I'll be at this team or in cycling next year': Julian Alaphilippe on the Giro d'Italia, finding his form, and his relationship with Patrick Lefevere
Frenchman will focus on the Classics and then the Giro d'Italia in his contract year at Quick-Step
By Adam Becket Published
-
There is so much hope for British cycling, despite the domestic scene’s troubles
Stevie Williams’ victory at the Tour Down Under was just the latest breakthrough ride by a Briton, although there might not be a home UCI stage race to perform at soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
Oscar Onley, Isaac del Toro proud but disappointed as both miss out on Tour Down Under victory
Scot finishes fourth, Mexican second, as breakthrough weeks end in dismay
By Adam Becket Published
-
'Underestimated' no more: Stevie Williams powers to victory at Tour Down Under
The 27-year-old from Aberystwyth conquered Mount Lofty on Sunday to take overall victory in Australia, his first WorldTour GC win
By Adam Becket Published
-
Stevie Williams 'over the moon' to be in lead at Tour Down Under ahead of 'tough' final stage
The 27-year-old leads the Australian race on count-back, and is hoping to triumph overall on Sunday
By Adam Becket Published
-
‘He’s worked it out’: Oscar Onley meets his high expectations with Willunga Hill stage win at Tour Down Under
The 21-year-old Scot has shown his potential before, but a first win, at WorldTour level too, proved it
By Adam Becket Published
-
Willunga Hill set to shake up Tour Down Under, with GC battle shrouded in mystery
Two climbing stages follow four days of largely flat racing in South Australia, so the weekend will decide the race
By Adam Becket Published