Hapden’s pocket dynamo Richie Porte has done no harm to his chances of securing an Olympic birth after a consistent performance at the UCI Road World Championships Time Trial overnight finishing in an excellent 6th position.
After a measured start to the flat 46.4 km course, Porte pegged back some time in a strong finish giving him a time of 56m 13s which was 2m 29s behind new world champion Tony Martin who has dominated the TT discipline this season. Brit Bradley Wiggins showed his form is at it’s peak taking second from defending champion Fabian Cancellara who has seem to have left his form back at the spring classics. In good news for Australia, 4000m pursuit world record holder Jack Bobridge finished in 5th, only 16s in front of Porte.
As Australia had two top six finishers, we have been allocated a second rider in the London Olympics Time Trial next year. Australia had been guaranteed one rider due to it’s high world ranking, but getting the second birth gives us a good shot at a medal with these two young riders surely looking in improve by next year.
“I would have loved a couple more climbs in there but it is what it is,” said Porte. “To be honest I was expecting a little more but I can’t really complain. Tony (Martin) was in a world of his own. Congrats to Jack, he’s had an interrupted season and to come out and pull fifth – I think we’re young and a little more inexperienced than those guys. Sixth in the world is pretty good. No excuses but I just wasn’t quite on my game today,” said Porte. “It’s been a long season and it’s nearly over so I’ll come back next year and do a little better.”
Porte has very high expectations of his performances which is a great sign for the future after a big season in his second year as a professional cyclist with Saxo Bank Sungard cycling team. After a late call up to support Alberto Contodor at the Giro d’Italia and his first Tour De France in July, Porte has showed he has the body to handle a full year race schedule.
I’m sure Richie will be back in Tassie soon, so if you see him around make sure you give him a pat on the back after a big year on the bike. He’s done Tassie proud!
