Richie Porte says he is delighted to get some late-season racing into his legs ahead of his long-awaited return from injury at the Japan Cup next week.
The Australian has not ridden since July when he crashed out of the Tour de France on the descent of the Mont du Chat on stage nine.
Porte was strongly fancied to challenge Chris Froome for the yellow jersey but suffered a broken collarbone and pelvis in the crash and saw his hopes ended as he was rushed to hospital.
The Tasmanian has taken his recovery slowly, doing light training rides this week in his home state for example, but has now been cleared by BMC team doctors for action again.
Armchair ride with a couple of good mates on Tassie roads today, always nice to get back to the old stomping grounds #tassie pic.twitter.com/JxupBG1B9q
— Richie Porte (@richie_porte) October 17, 2017
“I’m really looking forward to racing at the Japan Cup Cycle Road Race this year. Not only is it a chance for me to get another race day in the legs before the end of the season, but it’s also my first opportunity to race at the Japan Cup Cycle Road Race since 2013,” Porte said after he was confirmed in the BMC line-up for the event.
“The Japanese fans are really incredible so it’s always a great atmosphere at the race. I can definitely say it’s one of my favourite races.
“Given I haven’t raced since July, I’m not going in with any expectations. I’m just happy to be racing again this year before my focus turns to the 2018 season.”
BMC’s directeur sportif Fabio Baldato said he was pleased to have Porte back on the bike before the end of the season.
“We are really happy to see Richie Porte back at the start line for the first time since his Tour de France crash,” he said. “Although we are lining up at the last race of the season, the Japan Cup Cycle Road Race will be a good chance for Richie to get back into the racing rhythm before he starts a solid off-season.”