I expect this article to cop just a bit of criticism, but Richie Porte pulling out of the 2014 Giro d’Italia is the best thing for Australian cycling.
Porte’s withdrawal greatly increases the chance of victory for Cadel Evans, and Porte still has plenty of time to have his own day in the sun.
For Evans, this could genuinely become his last attempt at those monsters that are Grand Tours. So to have him go out on top with a Giro victory would be great for him and Australian cycling.
It would be the closing of a book – a long and illustrious one – with many victories and achievements. At the same time it would be the opening of another one, as Richie Porte takes the title as Australia’s best cyclist while the celebrated Evans can comfortably go into retirement.
What this also means is that Porte will be at full fitness for the Tour de France. Having Porte at full fitness for the Tour de France is also a great thing for Australian cycling. The thing is, even though he will be there basically as Chris Froome’s shadow, if injury, illness or form drop was to strike Froome, it will open a great pathway for Porte to get some experience before selling himself to a new employer.
Even riding on one of the best teams in world cycling is a great experience for Froome, as these are the mountains and type of terrain he will be attempting to dominate over the next number of years. Therefore, getting practice on this type of terrain, as either a domestique or leader, sets him up brilliantly for the future.
How else does this work to Porte’s favour? Well, it’s simple really. He doesn’t have to worry about riding two Grand Tours on top of each other. If he had have rode the Giro and Tour double, he may have been thinking about saving energy for the tour.
So at the end of the day Porte being out of the Giro means there is no chance for him to absolutely screw up his first chance at being the leader for a Grand Tour. It also means Cadel Evans has a much increased chance of winning what could well prove to be his final Grand Tour.
It is a win-win for Australian cycling.
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