Richie Porte is on the eve of his last season as a professional cyclist and the 36 year-old Australian has been told by Ineos Grenadiers to enjoy his final season as much as possible.
The Tasmanian has one more year on his contract with Ineos, but still has ambitions for 2022, with a programme that will probably include racing Tirreno-Adriatico and then the Giro d’Italia.
“It is also my plan to enjoy the coming year,” said Porte. “My career has been a fantastic undertaking so far, but we are going to take it one more time. I just want to stay competitive… Otherwise it would be a waste of our time as a family,” said the father of a son and daughter. “It’s great to still be competing with all those young guys who are so extremely talented at 36 years old.”
In 2010, Porte finished 7th in the Giro d’Italia with the Saxo Bank team. He also took the best young riders jersey.
“If I can come full circle there, that would be a dream. I’ve always enjoyed the Giro,” he said.
After his career, Porte may want to move back to Australia, as Mathew Hayman did earlier this month. He would then like to contribute to the transition of Australian talents to the European circuit.
“If there are good young talents, then maybe I can help them find their way through the European contacts I’ve made. Helping the youngsters who have slipped through the cracks of the institutes, so to speak. I would like to play that role in cycling.”
