Richie mounts up for Cup ride

AUSTRALIAN star Richie Porte will return to cycling after his horrific Tour de France crash at this weekend’s Japan Cup.

Porte has been out of action since suffering a fractured pelvis and broken collarbone when he crashed on Mont du Chat near the end of the Tour’s ninth stage in July.

The 32-year-old rejected the chance to rest easy for the remainder of 2017, opting to contest the 144km seasonending event in Utsunomiya.

It comes as he made a fleeting visit to Tasmania to round out preparations for his first race in more than three months.

Porte tweeted a photo on Tuesday with the caption, “Armchair ride with a couple of good mates on Tassie roads today, always nice to get back to the old stomping grounds #tassie”.

“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 since 2013,” he said.

“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.”

The BMC rider had been in the form of his life this season before crashing out while sit- ting fifth in the overall Tour standings.

BMC sports director Fabio Baldato said the team was equally as happy to see its No.1 man back in the saddle.

“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,” Baldato said.

The Japan Cup Cycle Road Race comprises a criterium on Saturday and a road race on Sunday.

Porte joins the BMC line-up with Martin Elmiger, Michael Schär, Danilo Wyss and Bram Welten.