Aussie hoping for great result after worlds performance
In what is to be his last race for SaxoBank-Sungard, Richie Porte is hoping for a strong performance in next month’s Jayco Herald Sun Tour. The Australian has already confirmed a move to Team Sky next year after spending two seasons with Bjarne Riis and the Danish outfit.
Porte has completed the race twice before and at his first attempt in 2008, finished fifth overall, after the race was won by Stuart O’Grady (Leopard Trek). Last week he finished sixth in the individual time trial at the world championships, riding on a course which was too flat to utilise his strong climbing abilities. The performance is an indication of some good end of season form he might have.
“The course for the Jayco Herald Sun Tour is pretty exciting. The terrain this time is a little different to when I’ve previously ridden the Tour (2008 and 2009), where it was essentially dead flat with crosswinds,” Porte said.
With the organisers opting for slightly more hilly terrain this year, it could work in favour of the Tasmanian. However, he has earmarked teammate David Tanner to possibly be the surprise of the race. Tanner, who made a jump from continental level to SaxoBank-Sungard this season, has also previously competed in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour, finishing tenth overall.
“I’ll be there giving it my best shot at what will be my last race of the season, but I think Dave is going to shock a few people. He’s one who could go for general classification,” said Porte.
“Luke (Roberts) is coming into some good end of season form as well. He could go for a stage win anywhere and he’s capable of going for a small bunch sprint.
“Another one to watch is Jonas (Aaen Jorgensen). He recently out sprinted Stuey O’Grady, so he’s going to be hard to beat and Baden (Cooke) has shown many times what a great sprinter he is.”
The race will take place from the 12 – 16 October and is to be a tough end of season event for a lot of teams such as Skil-Shimano, which has already confirmed its participation. It will bring along sprinter Marcel Kittel who will look to increase his 2011 win tally from an impressive fourteen victories so far.