Second overall in the Tour of Britain, Richie Porte won’t be able to use that strong form in the Commonwealth Games as his Saxo Bank team has blocked his participation in the Delhi events.
The Australian had hoped to compete in both the road race and time trial and his sparkling condition means that he was a favourite for both. However the ProTour team wants him to compete instead in the autumn Classics.
"Obviously it is disappointing not to ride the Commonwealth Games after being selected, but I will race the Giro Lombardia and Piermonte in support of Andy Schleck," he told The Age newspaper.
The 25 year old is in the first year of a contract with the Saxo Bank team and has had a superb season. His performances include a stunning time trial win in the Tour de Romandie, followed up by a spell in the Maglia Rosa at the Giro d’Italia, victory in the best young rider classification and seventh overall in the race.
More recently, he finished tenth in the Clasica San Sebastian, second in the time trial in the Tour of Denmark, fourth in the TT in the Eneco Tour and fourth overall there. He is one minute 28 seconds behind Tour of Britain leader Michael Albasini (HTC Columbia)
Porte will however be able to ride the world time trial championships in Melbourne. “I am focused on the Tour of Britain at the moment, I am second on general classification but it will be hard to defend against the strong sprint teams," he said. “However, it has been perfect preparation for the worlds time trial and gives me confidence I can fight for a medal.”
Porte has only been named to the time trial squad for the worlds. Selectors may rue not selecting him, given his excellent form.
Cycling Australia national performance director Shayne Bannan regrets that he won’t ride the Commonwealth Games, but said he could understand the team’s decision.
“It's disappointing for Richie and Australia but at the same time it shows his progression in world-class cycling. He has had a fantastic year, his form is really on the way up, and Saxo Bank have identified he could be a major player and want to use that to their best advantage.”
“You have to respect the decisions of teams. They are the ones paying the salaries of riders and we are fortunate to have a good relationship with most teams.”
Porte went on the attack on yesterday’s stage in an attempt to dislodge Albasini. The HTC Columbia rider was reported to be suffering from the same stomach complaint that took Tony Martin out of the race, but wasn’t as badly affected. Porte got clear with Patrick Sinkewitz but the flatter nature of the parcours in the second half of the stage plus a frenzied chase by the peloton meant that they were reeled in.
He’s likely to try again today but the terrain is much flatter from this point on, making it difficult for him to gain time on his big rival.