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Richie Porte, ladies and gentleman, could be the first Australian to win a cycling grand tour after being the second Australian to wear the Maglia Rosa (pink leaders jersey) in this year’s Giro d’Italia.
Porte emerged after the 262km rain sodden stage to L’Aquila, not only as the race overall leader, but a great chance to hold the jersey through to the final stage in Verona.
Porte gained 12 minutes ahead of main contenders Alexandre Vinokourov and Cadel Evans, whilst also providing a nice buffer between himself and second place David Arroyo.
The most satisfying thing about this story is the journey Porte has endured to get where he is. To many peoples astonishment, Richie is a neo-pro, and this is his first crack at a three-week stage race. Unlike many who have come through the AIS junior program, Richie has done it all on his own. He got his start in Europe and helps bring clarity to the term ‘the cream rises to the top’.
The start of this year’s Giro was positive for the large Australian contingent, Cadel Evans held the Maglia Rosa for a day whilst Matthew Lloyd and Matthew Goss have also taken stages.
Unfortunately, crashes and a lack of animation from rivals has seen Evans slip down the general classification to 13th and over 11 minutes adrift of Porte. Hopefully the upcoming mountains will give Cadel ample opportunity to eat into the deficit.
The bigger question is, can Porte hang on?
The final week of this year’s Giro is tough, much tougher than years past. Richie will be exposed on the epic alpine passes which litter the road ahead.
However, more opportunities to gain time are available, which he must take advantage of.
This isn’t Richie’s first big achievement for 2010 – he won the opening time trial of the Tour of Romandie and has been wearing the white jersey as best young rider. His noted ability as a time trialist will come in handy with two stages against the clock still to come.
This year’s edition of the Giro has already thrown everything at the riders, and up until this point Porte has taken it all in his stride. So far there is no indication he will be troubled as he managed to overcome the difficult climb to Monte Terminillo on stage 8 with minimal losses.
Unlike Evans, Porte rides on a team with the horsepower capable of getting him to Verona in pink.
Evans’ helpers have been criticized over the past couple of years for their lack of help, and rightfully so, unfortunately his current BMC outfit has been troubled by doping allegations and haven’t lived up to expectations. Fortunately for Porte he rides on the strong Danish squad Saxo Bank and has notable climbers such as Chris Sörensen at his disposal.
The bizarre happenings of stage 11 has left cycling pundits bemused, Garmin Transitions team manager Jonathon Vaughters commented on his Twitter page saying, “Today’s stage at the Giro just goes to show you: cycling is not predictable!”
The current situation at the giro is similar to the circumstances which saw Floyd Landis spectacularly lose the Tour de France to Oscar Pereiro back in 2006. The main group of contenders sat up, looked at each other, while a large group of ambitious riders rolled off the front never to be seen again.
Ever since Cadel Evans finished second in the Tour de France in 2007, many people have waited patiently for him seal the deal in a grand tour; however, luck has not been on his side.
Will Richie Porte steal his thunder?
Porte is not the first Australian to wear the Maglia Rosa. There have been many, however, most notable being Cadel Evans.
Evans claimed his first pink jersey on an epic stage back in 2003 which commanded the cycling worlds attention, only to capitulate the following day. Just like Jonathan Vaughters said, cycling is not predictable.
Lets hope Richie’s left enough in the tank, because he’s certainly got a big engine to fuel.
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