Richie Porte - what do we know about him?

[Cannibal72]

Re:

I thought the question was about the staff accompanying Rogers ^^

Sean Yates?

 

[Saint Unix]

Interesting to see that, just like Rodgers when he left Sky to join Tinkoff-Saxo, Porte is able to retain or even improve his performance after leaving Sky. Doesn't quite fit in with suggestions that Sky dope more or are better at doping, or are protected more than their competitors.

Even after doing domestique work for Froome, Porte was the second strongest climber in the peloton when he was at his best during the 2013 and 2015 Tours. Unless he beats everyone (bar possibly Froome) in the Dauphine and the Tour, questions can be asked.

Of course, if he beats everyone questions can be asked too.

In short: LRP is a suspect dude.

 

[Fergoose]

Heras, Landis, Hamilton etc ring any bells ?

Yes. I think that all three evaded detection in their USPS days, but all got rumbled when they left - which kind of reinforces my point. To compare USPS to Sky with any validity we need to either see rider's form drop off dramatically after leaving Sky, or them being busted by anti-doping because they've left the "protection" of their former big team. I'm not aware of either of those things having happened yet. At the moment it could be argued that its simply the team with the biggest bank balance and the greatest focus on the TdF (almost to the exclusion of all else) that is able to dominate in those areas. Yet Sky is arguably a weaker team compared to the likes of Tinkoff & Movistar in other events.

Of course it is early days for evaluating Richie Porte and he's beaten Froome on punchier climbs when they were teammates so this is certainly no sign of a step up in his form. But any suggestion that a failure to podium at the TdF is evidence that his form has dropped and therefore Sky are the master dopers is not the fairest. Given his inconsistency and being on a team in BMC that is on average not great at competing for the GC, a failure to get a top 10 at the TdF would probably be a more reasonable basis to form an argument around a drop in form. I expect Porte to get that with his eyes shut unless the recent photos of him aren't simply unflattering cycle tops and he really has put on the weight.

 

[Benotti69]

Heras, Landis, Hamilton etc ring any bells ?

Yes. I think that all three evaded detection in their USPS days, but all got rumbled when they left - which kind of reinforces my point. To compare USPS to Sky with any validity we need to either see rider's form drop off dramatically after leaving Sky, or them being busted by anti-doping because they've left the "protection" of their former big team. I'm not aware of either of those things having happened yet. At the moment it could be argued that its simply the team with the biggest bank balance and the greatest focus on the TdF (almost to the exclusion of all else) that is able to dominate in those areas. Yet Sky is arguably a weaker team compared to the likes of Tinkoff & Movistar in other events.

Of course it is early days for evaluating Richie Porte and he's beaten Froome on punchier climbs when they were teammates so this is certainly no sign of a step up in his form. But any suggestion that a failure to podium at the TdF is evidence that his form has dropped and therefore Sky are the master dopers is not the fairest. Given his inconsistency and being on a team in BMC that is on average not great at competing for the GC, a failure to get a top 10 at the TdF would probably be a more reasonable basis to form an argument around a drop in form. I expect Porte to get that with his eyes shut unless the recent photos of him aren't simply unflattering cycle tops and he really has put on the weight.

Rogers was caught, clen, but let off. We dont why Rogers got let off but Li Fuyu wasn't!

Also, the protection that Armstrong had is probably not possible to one team. Too many other teams can afford it and UCI is like any other sporting fed, they are greedy.

 

[Tonton]

LRP with Sky beat the Rominger-to-Armstrong-to-Froome record on La Madone, so he seems to have remained at the same level (although this ITT was much tougher) on a short climb. It's too early to dissect his progress or lack of progress since he left Sky. My 2 cents.

 

[Eyeballs Out]

Heras, Landis, Hamilton etc ring any bells ?

Yes. I think that all three evaded detection in their USPS days, but all got rumbled when they left - which kind of reinforces my point. To compare USPS to Sky with any validity we need to either see rider's form drop off dramatically after leaving Sky, or them being busted by anti-doping because they've left the "protection" of their former big team. I'm not aware of either of those things having happened yet. At the moment it could be argued that its simply the team with the biggest bank balance and the greatest focus on the TdF (almost to the exclusion of all else) that is able to dominate in those areas. Yet Sky is arguably a weaker team compared to the likes of Tinkoff & Movistar in other events.

Of course it is early days for evaluating Richie Porte and he's beaten Froome on punchier climbs when they were teammates so this is certainly no sign of a step up in his form. But any suggestion that a failure to podium at the TdF is evidence that his form has dropped and therefore Sky are the master dopers is not the fairest. Given his inconsistency and being on a team in BMC that is on average not great at competing for the GC, a failure to get a top 10 at the TdF would probably be a more reasonable basis to form an argument around a drop in form. I expect Porte to get that with his eyes shut unless the recent photos of him aren't simply unflattering cycle tops and he really has put on the weight.

I'll happily concede that "protection" may well be more widespread these days. Hardly anyone gets caught now

 

[thehog]

Heras, Landis, Hamilton etc ring any bells ?

Yes. I think that all three evaded detection in their USPS days, but all got rumbled when they left - which kind of reinforces my point. To compare USPS to Sky with any validity we need to either see rider's form drop off dramatically after leaving Sky, or them being busted by anti-doping because they've left the "protection" of their former big team. I'm not aware of either of those things having happened yet. At the moment it could be argued that its simply the team with the biggest bank balance and the greatest focus on the TdF (almost to the exclusion of all else) that is able to dominate in those areas. Yet Sky is arguably a weaker team compared to the likes of Tinkoff & Movistar in other events.

Of course it is early days for evaluating Richie Porte and he's beaten Froome on punchier climbs when they were teammates so this is certainly no sign of a step up in his form. But any suggestion that a failure to podium at the TdF is evidence that his form has dropped and therefore Sky are the master dopers is not the fairest. Given his inconsistency and being on a team in BMC that is on average not great at competing for the GC, a failure to get a top 10 at the TdF would probably be a more reasonable basis to form an argument around a drop in form. I expect Porte to get that with his eyes shut unless the recent photos of him aren't simply unflattering cycle tops and he really has put on the weight.

I'll happily concede that "protection" may well be more widespread these days. Hardly anyone gets caught now

Catching dopers is not productive towards any sport. It's pointless, why do it? Unless it's a low level rider?

 

[movingtarget]

Heras, Landis, Hamilton etc ring any bells ?

Yes. I think that all three evaded detection in their USPS days, but all got rumbled when they left - which kind of reinforces my point. To compare USPS to Sky with any validity we need to either see rider's form drop off dramatically after leaving Sky, or them being busted by anti-doping because they've left the "protection" of their former big team. I'm not aware of either of those things having happened yet. At the moment it could be argued that its simply the team with the biggest bank balance and the greatest focus on the TdF (almost to the exclusion of all else) that is able to dominate in those areas. Yet Sky is arguably a weaker team compared to the likes of Tinkoff & Movistar in other events.

Of course it is early days for evaluating Richie Porte and he's beaten Froome on punchier climbs when they were teammates so this is certainly no sign of a step up in his form. But any suggestion that a failure to podium at the TdF is evidence that his form has dropped and therefore Sky are the master dopers is not the fairest. Given his inconsistency and being on a team in BMC that is on average not great at competing for the GC, a failure to get a top 10 at the TdF would probably be a more reasonable basis to form an argument around a drop in form. I expect Porte to get that with his eyes shut unless the recent photos of him aren't simply unflattering cycle tops and he really has put on the weight.

I'll happily concede that "protection" may well be more widespread these days. Hardly anyone gets caught now

It's noticeable how many appeals actually succeed now including Astana's appeal to stay in the World Tour. I don't think the sport has recovered from the Armstrong debacle and with teams like Orica, BMC and others having to find new sponsors in the next year or two, IAM and Tinkoff disappearing the sport is looking vulnerable not to mention the amount of races that have disappeared many of which were historic and had been held for years. Of course economic problems for European countries like Spain have not helped. If it is bad at the elite men's level it can only be worse for the women and also the smaller pro teams which means less opportunities for younger riders unless they are superstars in the making.

 

[thehog]

Heras, Landis, Hamilton etc ring any bells ?

Yes. I think that all three evaded detection in their USPS days, but all got rumbled when they left - which kind of reinforces my point. To compare USPS to Sky with any validity we need to either see rider's form drop off dramatically after leaving Sky, or them being busted by anti-doping because they've left the "protection" of their former big team. I'm not aware of either of those things having happened yet. At the moment it could be argued that its simply the team with the biggest bank balance and the greatest focus on the TdF (almost to the exclusion of all else) that is able to dominate in those areas. Yet Sky is arguably a weaker team compared to the likes of Tinkoff & Movistar in other events.

Of course it is early days for evaluating Richie Porte and he's beaten Froome on punchier climbs when they were teammates so this is certainly no sign of a step up in his form. But any suggestion that a failure to podium at the TdF is evidence that his form has dropped and therefore Sky are the master dopers is not the fairest. Given his inconsistency and being on a team in BMC that is on average not great at competing for the GC, a failure to get a top 10 at the TdF would probably be a more reasonable basis to form an argument around a drop in form. I expect Porte to get that with his eyes shut unless the recent photos of him aren't simply unflattering cycle tops and he really has put on the weight.

I'll happily concede that "protection" may well be more widespread these days. Hardly anyone gets caught now

It's noticeable how many appeals actually succeed now including Astana's appeal to stay in the World Tour. I don't think the sport has recovered from the Armstrong debacle and with teams like Orica, BMC and others having to find new sponsors in the next year or two, IAM and Tinkoff disappearing the sport is looking vulnerable not to mention the amount of races that have disappeared many of which were historic and had been held for years. Of course economic problems for European countries like Spain have not helped. If it is bad at the elite men's level it can only be worse for the women and also the smaller pro teams which means less opportunities for younger riders unless they are superstars in the making.

For all the posturing and pretend anti-doping from Cookson, JV etc. the sport is actually worse off in terms of a fungible business model than in the McQuaid era.

 

[thehog]

Heras, Landis, Hamilton etc ring any bells ?

Yes. I think that all three evaded detection in their USPS days, but all got rumbled when they left - which kind of reinforces my point. To compare USPS to Sky with any validity we need to either see rider's form drop off dramatically after leaving Sky, or them being busted by anti-doping because they've left the "protection" of their former big team. I'm not aware of either of those things having happened yet. At the moment it could be argued that its simply the team with the biggest bank balance and the greatest focus on the TdF (almost to the exclusion of all else) that is able to dominate in those areas. Yet Sky is arguably a weaker team compared to the likes of Tinkoff & Movistar in other events.

Of course it is early days for evaluating Richie Porte and he's beaten Froome on punchier climbs when they were teammates so this is certainly no sign of a step up in his form. But any suggestion that a failure to podium at the TdF is evidence that his form has dropped and therefore Sky are the master dopers is not the fairest. Given his inconsistency and being on a team in BMC that is on average not great at competing for the GC, a failure to get a top 10 at the TdF would probably be a more reasonable basis to form an argument around a drop in form. I expect Porte to get that with his eyes shut unless the recent photos of him aren't simply unflattering cycle tops and he really has put on the weight.

I'll happily concede that "protection" may well be more widespread these days. Hardly anyone gets caught now

It's noticeable how many appeals actually succeed now including Astana's appeal to stay in the World Tour. I don't think the sport has recovered from the Armstrong debacle and with teams like Orica, BMC and others having to find new sponsors in the next year or two, IAM and Tinkoff disappearing the sport is looking vulnerable not to mention the amount of races that have disappeared many of which were historic and had been held for years. Of course economic problems for European countries like Spain have not helped. If it is bad at the elite men's level it can only be worse for the women and also the smaller pro teams which means less opportunities for younger riders unless they are superstars in the making.

For all the posturing and pretend anti-doping from Cookson, JV etc. the sport is actually worse off in terms of a fungible business model than in the McQuaid era.

..and on that note:

Orica to end sponsorship of GreenEdge after 2017 season

 

[pastronef]

Porte very high level. I like that.

 

[movingtarget]

Heras, Landis, Hamilton etc ring any bells ?

Yes. I think that all three evaded detection in their USPS days, but all got rumbled when they left - which kind of reinforces my point. To compare USPS to Sky with any validity we need to either see rider's form drop off dramatically after leaving Sky, or them being busted by anti-doping because they've left the "protection" of their former big team. I'm not aware of either of those things having happened yet. At the moment it could be argued that its simply the team with the biggest bank balance and the greatest focus on the TdF (almost to the exclusion of all else) that is able to dominate in those areas. Yet Sky is arguably a weaker team compared to the likes of Tinkoff & Movistar in other events.

Of course it is early days for evaluating Richie Porte and he's beaten Froome on punchier climbs when they were teammates so this is certainly no sign of a step up in his form. But any suggestion that a failure to podium at the TdF is evidence that his form has dropped and therefore Sky are the master dopers is not the fairest. Given his inconsistency and being on a team in BMC that is on average not great at competing for the GC, a failure to get a top 10 at the TdF would probably be a more reasonable basis to form an argument around a drop in form. I expect Porte to get that with his eyes shut unless the recent photos of him aren't simply unflattering cycle tops and he really has put on the weight.

I'll happily concede that "protection" may well be more widespread these days. Hardly anyone gets caught now

It's noticeable how many appeals actually succeed now including Astana's appeal to stay in the World Tour. I don't think the sport has recovered from the Armstrong debacle and with teams like Orica, BMC and others having to find new sponsors in the next year or two, IAM and Tinkoff disappearing the sport is looking vulnerable not to mention the amount of races that have disappeared many of which were historic and had been held for years. Of course economic problems for European countries like Spain have not helped. If it is bad at the elite men's level it can only be worse for the women and also the smaller pro teams which means less opportunities for younger riders unless they are superstars in the making.

For all the posturing and pretend anti-doping from Cookson, JV etc. the sport is actually worse off in terms of a fungible business model than in the McQuaid era.

Yep it's not looking good at all. Tinkoff might be a blowhard and a pain but he is right about making changes but they have to be the right changes not just some cosmetic crap.

 

[movingtarget]

Porte very high level. I like that.

Might be some android warfare in the Tour. Contador already looking hapless ! It's always a bad sign when the commentators start saying that Froome is struggling. At that point he isn't even trying.

 

[pastronef]

 

[Benotti69]

Get a room.......

 

[Fergoose]

Still early days, but more signs that however Porte achieves his performance, by fair means or foul, it has rock all to do with Team Sky.

 

[el_giles]

Get a room.......

Get a motorhome!

 

[msjett]

Looks like Richie is happy to ride for 2nd for Froome....why did he bother changing teams....

 

[Huapango]

Heras, Landis, Hamilton etc ring any bells ?

Yes. I think that all three evaded detection in their USPS days, but all got rumbled when they left - which kind of reinforces my point. To compare USPS to Sky with any validity we need to either see rider's form drop off dramatically after leaving Sky, or them being busted by anti-doping because they've left the "protection" of their former big team. I'm not aware of either of those things having happened yet. At the moment it could be argued that its simply the team with the biggest bank balance and the greatest focus on the TdF (almost to the exclusion of all else) that is able to dominate in those areas. Yet Sky is arguably a weaker team compared to the likes of Tinkoff & Movistar in other events.

Of course it is early days for evaluating Richie Porte and he's beaten Froome on punchier climbs when they were teammates so this is certainly no sign of a step up in his form. But any suggestion that a failure to podium at the TdF is evidence that his form has dropped and therefore Sky are the master dopers is not the fairest. Given his inconsistency and being on a team in BMC that is on average not great at competing for the GC, a failure to get a top 10 at the TdF would probably be a more reasonable basis to form an argument around a drop in form. I expect Porte to get that with his eyes shut unless the recent photos of him aren't simply unflattering cycle tops and he really has put on the weight.

I'll happily concede that "protection" may well be more widespread these days. Hardly anyone gets caught now

Catching dopers is not productive towards any sport. It's pointless, why do it? Unless it's a low level rider?

These days, I think teams with riders who are caught doping are told to get a rider out of a race by faking illness, or, mysteriously lose the form of their lives and end up finishing well down from the leaders.

 

[IndianCyclist]

Re:

Looks like Richie is happy to ride for 2nd for Froome....why did he bother changing teams....

bcos now they have 16 helpers

 

[El Pistolero]

We know that his real level is the one from 2011.

 

[jahn]

It's just one stage and not the TdF, I woudn't pay much attention to the help unless it happens again. Maybe he owed Froome a little something or wanted to show due respect on their first head to head.

 

[42x16ss]

Re: Re:

Looks like Richie is happy to ride for 2nd for Froome....why did he bother changing teams....

bcos now they have 16 helpers

This could get interesting. I hope that Tejay has his stab proof vest TBH, because if by some miracle LRP isn't out of contention by the third week the team could well split. IIRC LRP is good friends with Dennis and a couple of his other teammates.

 

[msjett]

Re: Re:

Looks like Richie is happy to ride for 2nd for Froome....why did he bother changing teams....

bcos now they have 16 helpers

This could get interesting. I hope that Tejay has his stab proof vest TBH, because if by some miracle LRP isn't out of contention by the third week the team could well split. IIRC LRP is good friends with Dennis and a couple of his other teammates.

I hope his BMC team mates ride for Tejay and do nothing tfor Richie, the guy has proven he is not worth getting behind. If the dauphine has shown anything, is that he still rides for Sky.

And I know nothing about tactics, but Richie didn't make move until Froomey did.

 

[Gung Ho Gun]

Re: Re:

Looks like Richie is happy to ride for 2nd for Froome....why did he bother changing teams....

bcos now they have 16 helpers

This could get interesting. I hope that Tejay has his stab proof vest TBH, because if by some miracle LRP isn't out of contention by the third week the team could well split. IIRC LRP is good friends with Dennis and a couple of his other teammates.

It would be a miracle as well if Tejay was still in contention by the third week.