Paris-Nice reached the halfway point with today’s fourth stage, and from now the general classification contenders will move to the fore. Thursday’s leg of the race will take in some serious climbs, the 193 kilometre race to Vernoux-en-Vivarais including the first category climbs of the Col de la Croix de Chaubouret and the Col de la Mure. The latter peaks just nine kilometres from the finish and is certain to be a launching pad for some big attacks.
One of those who is looking forward to the test is Saxo Bank SunGard rider Richie Porte. The Australian is both a strong climber and a good time trialist and could, with those abilities, challenge for the final yellow jersey.
“The first few days have been very hectic and our morale naturally took a fall when Sebastian (Haedo) crashed and abandoned the race. But we're all eager to do well,” he said Wednesday afternoon. “Mads (Christensen) and Brian (Vandborg) kept me out of trouble throughout the whole stage today. The team is working well together so I'm confident about tomorrow's tough challenge. I'm in fairly good shape and I'm looking forward to seeing how far it's going to take me.
Porte attracted a lot of attention last year when he raced to victory on stage three’s time trial at the Tour de Romandie. He then went on to take the pink jersey in the Giro and plus seventh overall. Later in the season, he finished fourth overall in the Eneco Tour, fourth in the Tour of Britain and in fourth in the world championship time trial.
He, his fans and his team are keen to see what he can do this season. Thursday’s race will offer the first glimpse of that.