As he faces what could well be one of the pivotal races of his career, Richie Porte (Team Sky) has explained how the Giro d’Italia has been responsible for one of the key moments of his career. The Australian took the lead in 2010, as a neo-professional, a race that he says captivated him as an amateur in Italy.
“I remember watching it on television back then in the team house [in Italy] and then obviously as a professional I was lucky enough to spend a few days in the pink jersey, so it’s always been the one.”
Seventh in the 2010 Giro d'Italia and the race leader for three days, as well as the event's Best Young Rider, Porte said on Friday that “It was the first race where I burst onto the scene, those three days were the most incredible I’ve had on the bike.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Some might think that Porte has blotted out his memories of his previous Grand Tour, last year's Tour de France, where he fell sick after having to step up to the plate when Chris Froome crashed out. However, the Tasmanian has definitely seen a silver lining in that particular setback.
“There was not much I could do, I was sick, but in a lot of ways it was a blessing in disguise,” he argues. “I had to make a few tough decisions with my lifestyle, and I’m happy with the off-season I had. I was watching my weight, being a professional bike rider on and off the bike.”
The results are there for all to see: nine victories this season, with a steady stream of stage race victories ranging from Paris-Nice and the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya through to the Giro del Trentino two weeks ago.
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest News http://ift.tt/1KtiXAm
No comments:
Post a Comment