OUR KING OF THE ROAD

RICHIE Porte delivered a big form statement to his Tour de France rivals just three weeks out from cycling’s great race with a powerful ride in the penultimate stage of the Criterium du Dauphine.

The 32-year-old Tasmanian boosted his overall lead in the eight-day Dauphine by pulling away on stage seven.

Porte attacked in the finale featuring a small part of the iconic Alpe d’Huez ascent, to gain eight seconds on two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador and 24 seconds on three-time and defending Tour and Dauphine champion Chris Froome.

BMC team leader Porte pushed his lead to over a minute from Froome ahead of the final stage, a punishing mountainous trek ending on the Plateau de Solaison.

An impressed Froome was about ready to concede victory in the key Tour lead-up race to his former Team Sky teammate.

“Failing any massive drama out on the road tomorrow, I think Richie has got this one wrapped up,” Froome said after being unable to follow when Porte, Fabio Aru and Contador lifted the pace in the closing stages.

“I think he’s worked incredibly hard and he’s in fantastic condition. He deserves it. I’m happy for him.

“As I said earlier in the week, Richie is in amazing form. He’s time trialling and climbing amazingly well.”

Porte was taking nothing for granted going into the final day racing over 115km from Albertville to Plateau de Solaison.

“We can’t be complacent. I expect fireworks tomorrow,” Porte said. “It’ll be a short stage. It’s not over until it’s over, but my team is incredibly strong so I want to finish it off for them.”