Herald Sun Tour: Richie Porte returns to his roots

Richie Porte (Trek-Segafredo) returns to the Herald Sun Tour this week for the first time since 2011, and starts on Wednesday as one of the favourites to take the title at the conclusion of the five-day race, along with EF Education First's Michael Woods.

Besides Woods, Porte also names Team Sky's Kenny Elissonde as a rider that he'll be keeping a close eye on.

"I think Woods was good at the Tour Down Under, but, for me, Elissonde was brilliant there, and also at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race," Porte told reporters on Tuesday, recalling the Frenchman's strong ride on Willunga Hill at the TDU and his aggression on Challambra Crescent at the Cadel race.

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"He's a punchy little climber who will do well here," Porte continued, "and Dylan van Baarle is also in good form. He was quite impressive at Cadel’s race, so Sky have a good team."

Porte is also looking forward to being among some of his younger compatriots at the race that starts on Phillip Island, south of Melbourne, and finishes in the Victorian capital on stage 5, via the Jeeralang climb with its 1.1km gravel section on stage 2 and four ascents of the famous Arthur's Seat climb on stage 4.

"It's a great level of talent here, and it's nice to come back and race here," said Porte. "It’s where my roots are, really, racing these kind of races. I'm looking forward to seeing these new guys.

You can read more at Cyclingnews.com