Richie Porte (BMC Racing Team) secured the overall win at the Santos Tour Down Under today in Adelaide today for the first time in his career. The Australian stamped his authority on the race with two convincing victories on the Paracombe and Willunga climbs, to win with the biggest winning margin in the race’s history.
With a 48-second lead before stage 6, Porte was kept safe by his teammates as the peloton tackled the 20-lap circuit around Adelaide and crossed the line safely to retain his lead.
“It’s an incredible relief,” he said afterwards. “I think back to nine years ago when this race really kicked off my career. This is where I came a wild card. Then two years later I was in the WorldTour. So to win it is a massive relief. I’ve been close two times before so it just feels fantastic.”
“Cycling is kicking massive goals in Australia with the crowds you’re seeing on the road. I must say I’m so happy with my team too. They rode incredibly today and the whole week so it’s just an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction to win this.”
“It’s not over until you ride over the line. I felt good and the team put in me in a great position all day and kept me out of trouble. So it was probably the most uneventful final criterium that I’ve done on this circuit, so that’s thanks to the team.”
Today’s stage was won by Caleb Ewan (Orica-Scott) who finished off an incredible week with his fourth stage win at the race. The Australian won the sprint ahead of World Champion Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Marko Kump (Team UAE Abu Dhabi).
Tour de france winner this year
There’s no chance he’s good but just not quite that good unfortunately. Chapeau on TDU though