MY TASSIE TREASURE

AS THE TOUR DRAWS NEAR, RICHIE PORTE DISCUSSES HIS AFFECTION FOR HIS HOME TOWN IN THE THIRD OF FOUR EXCLUSIVE COLUMNS FOR NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA

I DIDN’T think it at the time when I was lying in bed with a broken shoulder, but the longest off-season of my career might just have been a blessing in disguise.

The crash at the Rio Olympics happened way back on August 7, but it forced me to shut it down and say, “OK, that’s the end of my season now”, and I could work on some stuff.

I was able to go to Utah and have my tonsils out, which I think has really helped with my long-term health, and I got to go back to Launceston for about a month in November.

I might live in Europe now, but it’s nice to go back and connect with the people who were there before you were a professional cyclist.

I walk up to the swimming pool most days for a swim and there are always a lot of people who are quick to knock Tassie, but I find it’s so relaxed. The people are as genuine as you’ll find, and then I also get to spend some time with Mum and Dad.

Simple things like my parents having a dog and coming home and he wants to play tug of war or throw the ball to him — it’s so nice to do normal things for a while because in Monaco I get home, have a recovery meal and it’s all about the next training session.

I feel like I’m representing Tassie on the world stage when I race. I think every Aussie is proud of where they come from and I’m no different.

Growing up we had Ricky Ponting as the Aussie cricket captain, Boony in the top order, Craig Walton in triathlon, so we’re always quick to embrace people who are out doing it. Back in my first year as a professional in 2010 my mum gave me a little pendant on a necklace which is a little map of Tasmania and I wear it whenever I race.

My mate, who is a jeweller as well as being my first triathlon and swimming coach, made it. It wasn’t nice last year when I crashed into the back of the motorbike on Mont Vontoux because the pendant cut me, but hey, I still love wearing it.

Mum and Dad might come over for the Tour de France. Dad is about to retire next week so I think he’s keen to jump on a plane, but we’ll see. It’s a pretty stressful environment and it’s good to keep it as lowkey as you can. Looking back so far this season it’s been incredible.

I’m still bitterly disappointed with not winning the Dauphine, but this is it now for me, the Tour de France — this is what I want.