Richie Porte has shown good form in the return to racing from its COVID-enforced postponement, taking sixth overall at the Route d'Occitanie, second at the Mont Ventoux challenge and putting in an aggressive showing during the Tour de l'Ain final stage.
"Going into the race we’ve done a hard little block of racing,” Porte said to Cyclingnews ahead of the Dauphine.
“It’s not been easy, it’s been hot but I think that the Dauphine is always a race that motivates me. I’d of course like to do well.”
Stage 1 was another victory for Jumbo-Visma's Wout van Aert and a lot of attention has been focused on the battle between the Dutch outfit and Team INEOS, but Porte is among a host of other contenders looking to perform well heading into the Tour de France.
The second stage of the Dauphine finishes on the Chartreuse mountain summit of the Col de Porte, with the Tasmanian climber keen for a good showing on a climb that has his name written all over it.
“The second stage finish on the Col de Porte, it would be kind of cool to be able to do something,” said Porte.
“Looking at the start list it’s a stacked field, full of absolute talent. It’s like the Tour de France class of field. That makes sense. The Tour de Suisse isn’t on this year so everyone is here. It’s really going to be a good gauge to see where everyone is.
Source: Dauphine
"Obviously GC is the goal but we’re going to take it stage by stage. Everyone here, all the riders are motivated to do a good race and hopefully, we can do that and put in a good fight.”
Trek-Segafredo have announced a joint leadership plan for the Tour de France, with Bauke Mollema in a co-leadership role with Porte for the premier event of the season.
SBS will broadcast every stage of the Criterium du Dauphine, with Stage 2 on SBS VICELAND from 10.45pm AEST.
