Richie Porte Discussion Thread.

[movingtarget]

After missing the Giro Porte will be motivated. I thought he rode well yesterday and received excellent support from Thomas. If he has the condition he has to be a danger for a podium. He also has the advantage of being a protected rider now and can sit back instead of working hard for someone else. Nieve's support should be invaluable. The first mountain stage should provide a lot of answers as usual.

 

[greenedge]

@hfer: You're right but that's why i said "easier said than done". I think Sky need to have a top 5 otherwise they'll get lambasted for not bringing Wiggins/ us cycling fans would deplore Sky going stage hunting (a bit hypocritical of us but oh well). Last year at the TDF when he lost that time it was because he decided to sit up- who knows he could have kept riding for the rest of the stage and held that two minute gap???

I'd trust Porte to ride well based off his performances last year (P-N, PV and CI- along with his TDF ofc) and because he should be hitting best form by the mountains, due to his interrupted start this year. Also Sky must trust him if they were going to send him to the Giro for GC and I'm sure he's got the backing of his teammates here (Thomas today rode superbly).

 

[jens_attacks]

he should take this opportunity big time. of course he might win the tour in the future but for now can't see him even on the podium. but it's definitely good that he didn't crash or lost too much time. he's a super bike rider, richie porte.

 

[del1962]

After missing the Giro Porte will be motivated. I thought he rode well yesterday and received excellent support from Thomas. If he has the condition he has to be a danger for a podium. He also has the advantage of being a protected rider now and can sit back instead of working hard for someone else. Nieve's support should be invaluable. The first mountain stage should provide a lot of answers as usual.

I think the protected rider state is important, last year he was doing a lot of work chasing others down for Froome, could definately podium.

 

[MBotero]

I'm still not convinced that Richie is ready for the big things,i always had the impression that he lacks something.Well,the first mountain stage will tell us if he made the jump.

 

[Jagartrott]

He still has everything to prove. Don't see an which basis he is expected to outclimb Talansky, Valverde or VDB.

 

[msjett]

Um..Richie did crash yesterday there are pics with him with holes in his pants...I don't think he will ever win a grand tour let alone the TDF...just don't think he has got it in him.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

He still has everything to prove. Don't see an which basis he is expected to outclimb Talansky, Valverde or VDB.

Did you watch cycling in 2013?

For me, Porte is the favorite for the last podium spot right now, and I actually wouldn't be surprised to see him fight for the win if he rediscovers his 2013 form. He looked really strong yesterday, so let's hope.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Porte will be up for the task.

This is racing at its best.

 

[MartinGT]

Did you watch cycling in 2013?

For me, Porte is the favorite for the last podium spot right now, and I actually wouldn't be surprised to see him fight for the win if he rediscovers his 2013 form. He looked really strong yesterday, so let's hope.

Not bad considering how pump he has been all season.

 

[JRanton]

Not bad considering how pump he has been all season.

Whereas Nibali has been brilliant all season of course.

 

[Jagartrott]

Did you watch cycling in 2013?

For me, Porte is the favorite for the last podium spot right now, and I actually wouldn't be surprised to see him fight for the win if he rediscovers his 2013 form. He looked really strong yesterday, so let's hope.

Porte has always suffered from off days at a GT. GTs are 90% about being consistent. We'll see.

 

[MartinGT]

Whereas Nibali has been brilliant all season of course.

That sir is true.

 

[BeagRigh]

Porte will be up for the task.

This is racing at its best.

Their respective gears are interesting, looks like G is pushing 53x11/12. Porte is mid-block.

Agree, about the racing!

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Porte has always suffered from off days at a GT. GTs are 90% about being consistent. We'll see.

Yeah, that's true. I don't disagree with that. I just commented on the "outclimb" part.

 

[Angliru]

There must always be a Froome. Porte is the new Froome. Expect him to be the best climber.

I am getting nauseous at the thought alone. Please no. I'm hoping he has his typical one day where he loses big time (10 minutes would be fine) so that I don't have to repeatedly hear about how brilliant Sky are.

 

[Cimber]

I am getting nauseous at the thought alone. Please no. I'm hoping he has his typical one day where he loses big time (10 minutes would be fine) so that I don't have to repeatedly hear about how brilliant Sky are.

Dont worry he wont win. He will have a bad day where he loses a lot. But I think he will do a top 5

 

[Ripper]

Did you watch cycling in 2013?

For me, Porte is the favorite for the last podium spot right now, and I actually wouldn't be surprised to see him fight for the win if he rediscovers his 2013 form. He looked really strong yesterday, so let's hope.

Did you watch cycling in 2014 till now?

If Porte rediscovers 2013 form, a) he will still not win, and b) there will be far too much to discuss about the reason how that happened, and much of it not in this particular forum!

Oh ...

 

[Zam_Olyas]

I am getting nauseous at the thought alone. Please no. I'm hoping he has his typical one day where he loses big time (10 minutes would be fine) so that I don't have to repeatedly hear about how brilliant Sky are.

 

[greenedge]

Haha at the photo (10 chars...)

 

[spanky wanderlust]

Porte's new nickname should be 'B Sample'.

He should have a pretty good tour. He won't win but I give him good chances for top 5 and maybe a stage win. He's strong and has a good team. Seems legit to think he will have a good ride.

His time trial skill should be enough to tip him over a bunch of other favorites.

 

[yespatterns]

A sinking ship buying time closing poorte-holes.

 

[movingtarget]

Dont worry he wont win. He will have a bad day where he loses a lot. But I think he will do a top 5

Right and this was going to be a match race between Froome and Contador according to most. People forget that Porte worked his azz off for Froome the stage before he had a bad day last year. This year you won't even see Sky on the front. I think this is shaping up to be a great race. I would not count out Porte just yet.

 

[Justico]

What BIG IF Contador can't drop Porte on climbs ?

All Porte has to do now is to follow Contador wheel and he finish on podium, no need for heroics on front.

 

[Cimber]

What BIG IF Contador can't drop Porte on climbs ?

All Porte has to do now is to follow Contador wheel and he finish on podium, no need for heroics on front.

Yeah, but that wont happen unless Contador has mistimed his peak (which I dont think)