Nat Bromhead
Richie Porte’s brilliant run of form continued at the Critérium du Dauphiné overnight, the Aussie finishing just ahead of Chris Froome and being presented with the leader’s yellow jersey.
With two days to go Porte now leads the General Classification, 39 seconds ahead of Froome – his former teammate and fellow Tour de France favourite.
Last night’s stage ignited at the 30km to go mark as the riders tackled the long climb of Mont du Chat. One-by-one the big-name riders were dropped with Fabio Aru and Jakob Fulgsang (both of Astana Pro Team), Team Sky’s Chris Froome, along with Richie Porte the last men standing.
Porte Takes Care On Thrilling Final Descent
The fast & furious four took viewers on a thrilling descent, a moto camera following close to Porte’s rear wheel. Froome edged slightly ahead on the descent as Porte maintained contact but took a more measured approach. After a 3km flat run to the finish a photo decided the winner, Fulgsang edging Porte to the line.
“To come through that stage was good – In the end it was fast but it went well,” said Porte after being awarded yellow.
“I came so close to the stage win in the sprint, although maybe it was not the most exciting sprint with four GC guys. But, it’s great just to have the jersey. I know it’s an uphill battle to keep it but I think today went really well.”
Well aware he’s a marked man in the jersey, Porte said his final two days of racing prior to next month’s Tour de France will be “super hard”.
“But, I feel up to it and we have the team here to try and finish it off on Sunday,” he said. “I think I had the target on my back this morning but I have a fantastic team here. I feel good. I’m in good form and I would love to keep this jersey until Sunday.”
