Porte bid for crown a big task

TASMANIAN Richie Porte’s bid for a maiden Herald Sun Tour crown faces stiff competition after Team Sky confirmed yesterday they would return to Australia’s oldest stage race.

Sky will form part of a blockbuster line-up set to contest the Victorian Summer of Cycling, with a record 15 WorldTour teams to contest Towards Zero Race Melbourne (January 24) and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (January 26-27).

Porte’s Trek-Segafredo will then battle Sky, MitcheltonScott and EF Education First in the 66th edition of the Herald Sun Tour from January 30 to February 3.

That puts the Tasmanian up against France’s Kenny Elissonde (Team Sky), 2017 champion Damien Howson (Mitchelton-Scott) and Canadian Vuel- ta stage winner Michael Woods (EF Education First), with a Stage 4 showdown on Arthurs Seat promising fireworks.

Sky’s appearance in Victoria and return to the Herald Sun Tour after a one-year absence will mark the last time the British squad will be seen in Australia. The media and telecommunications giant will end its financial backing of the all-conquering team at the end of 2019, which will, at the least, force a team name change.

Elissonde is expected to lead a Sky team that will also include Luke Rowe, Christian Knees and Dylan Van Baarle.

Victorian Sport, Tourism and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said securing 15 World Tour teams was a coup.

“This is further evidence that the Summer of Cycling brings the best teams from across the globe to race in Victoria,” Pakula said.