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Rider Profile

Richie Porte has enjoyed a meteoric rise since taking up the sport in 2006 and is now regarded as one of the very best in the business. He burst onto the scene at the 2010 Giro d’Italia and enjoyed a spell in the Maglia Rosa before securing seventh place overall and winning the young riders classification by a seven-minute margin.

Another win followed at the 2011 Tour of Denmark before Porte made the switch to Team Sky and consolidated his place among the world’s elite riders. He got 2012 off to the perfect start by winning a stage on the way to his overall victory at the Volta ao Algarve, and then became one of the team’s key climbing domestiques which helped seal victories at Paris-Nice, Tour de Romandie, Bayern-Rundfahrt, Critérium du Dauphiné and Tour de France.

Porte’s excellence in the mountains and enviable time trialling ability have made him an invaluable asset to Team Sky, and he’ll be aiming to flourish again in 2013.

Q & A

First road bike:
An Avanti Corsa, ridden by a guy called Mark Jamieson.
Childhood heroes:
A triathlete called Craig Walton. He wasn't the best runner but always attacked on the bike.
What do you love most about cycling?
Cycling was my passion before it became a job and I'm living the dream. This is the most brilliant job I could think of.
What has cycling taught you?
That where I come from is not a bad place. I live in Monaco now, and while it has the glitz and glamour, I love Tasmania 10 times more.
Previous teams:
2008-09 Praties; 2010-11 Saxo Bank
Favourite race:
When Bradley won Paris-Nice. That was when we realised it was going to be a magic season.
Highlight of your career:
The 2010 Giro d'Italia. For a first-year professional it was incredible and something I won't forget. It was the best three weeks of my life.
Funniest team-mate:
Brad's known for his sense of humour but all the guys have their quirks.
Interests away from cycling:
Spending time with my girlfriend. I enjoy surfing and fishing as well.
If you weren't a rider, what would you be?
Probably a lifeguard. That's what I was doing before I turned professional.

Favourite film:
American History X
Favourite music:
Metallica or Rage Against The Machine.
Best friend in the peloton:
My fellow Team Sky riders.
Favourite food:
Prosciutto and Mozzarella focaccia on a training ride.
Most famous person you've met:
Casey Stoner
Most embarrassing moment:
My first time in lycra
Interesting fact:
I can put on weight just looking at food.
Best advice:
Train hard and sacrifice.
Rider website:
http://www.richieporte.com