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.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Orica at the moment, dont have a focus on GC, but if Porte was signed the focus would change... Big time
Nick
Guest
I agree and from everything he says Sky is a home from home for him with its concentration on GC's in the Grand Tours. However, can Sky accomodate his ambitions as well as those of Chris Froome? Perhaps Froome's health issues will be a factor, but if he does decide to leave it'll be interesting to see where he'll go. Does Orica have the same emphasis on the GC's that Sky and some other teams have and the right team make-up to achieve success in that sphere? If Porte does go to Orica I'm sure that Sky would welcome "Team Yates" in exchange.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for that information Nick.Will be interesting to see what he does after that period as Sky will no doubt be keen to keep him.
Nick
Guest
Porte's current contract expires at the end of 2015 having extended it for a further two years last year.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I think OGS should be pulling out all the stops to secure Porte and maybe one big worker for the mountains. Add that to their current squad, and you could have a grand tour winner from OGS. How good would that be for Australian cycling? As for the TDF, If Froome was out and you being British, would you support Porte as he is riding for Team Sky or would you find someone else to support?
tony meadows
Guest
Being British Scott I cant go so far as to hope Porte may replace Froomie. However if Porte is to leave Sky ,who could blame him,OGS would be an excellent choice.They would perhaps need a seasoned lieutenant as well,but the squad is packed with potential.They have of course the Yates boys who by next year will be pulling up trees.What a TTT team with Porte,currently the best in the world,with him, a bell breaking team !
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yes, that would be ideal, or even more ideal for Australian Cycling is that Froome can't participate in the Tour and Porte becomes the leader, in fact that would be better for world cycling because the tour mightnt be so dominated by Froome. What I would like to happen next year though is for Porte to come across to Orica Green Edge. They have a number of riders that are capable in the mountains and could easily help Porte to a high finish in Grand Tours plus they are pretty good on the time trial bike as a team so whenever there is a team time trial, it could be expected to help Porte.... Could be interesting if Orica Green Edge put their hat in the ring for Porte's signature when his current contract ends which I have to be honest and say I don't know when that is.
tony meadows
Guest
I agree with you that Porte is more than a super domestique. I don't think we yet know just how good he is .Leading the Sky team at the Giro would probably have told us had he been 100%.Unless some event gets in Froomes way, for I don't see a rider who will, then we perhaps still wont see the best of Porte even if he starts at full fitness. Should Froome get an uneventful win and the Australian doesn't have to exhaust himself in support, is it possible we could see Porte leading Sky at the Vuelta before parting to seek his fortune at " Team Alonso"? That would be fun- for us !
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yes, I agree with what your saying, but i don't think he will be a super domestique for his whole career because of the simple fact while he is a worker for Froome he would ride 90% of the other leaders out of his wheels trying to help him so i dont think it effects that to much.
Jamie Finch-Penninger
Roar Rookie
Not sure I agree with you here, Porte pulled out due to his series of illnesses which effectively finished his chances of a good preparation, and with it any chance of performing well at the Giro. He'll save some energy for the Tour, and will be stronger when he's helping out Froome in the mountains. This would have been the main consideration for him and Team Sky in the decision, and yes, it's probably better than him struggling his way to a top-30 spot on GC. In terms of Australian cycling, it is so rare to see an Australian leading a Grand Tour squad for the GC, that I think it's a little disappointing that we didn't get to see one of the first times that Australia had two real top chances lining up. For Richie, as well, I'm not sure it's beneficial, chances to be a leader at a team are few and far between, and there is a danger that he gets pigeon-holed as a super domestique, in the same way that a guy like Chris Horner was for most of his career.