Richie Porte will go head-to-head with Team Sky in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour
Richie Porte’s bid for a maiden Jayco Herald Sun Tour crown will face stiff competition after Team Sky confirmed it would return to Australia’s oldest stage race. Check out SAM EDMUND’s preview of the summer of cycling.
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Richie Porte’s bid for a maiden Jayco Herald Sun Tour crown will face stiff competition after Team Sky confirmed it 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, Mitchelton-Scott and EF Education First in the 66th edition of the Herald Sun Tour from January 30-February 3.
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That puts the Tasmanian up against Frenchman Kenny Elissonde (Team Sky), 2017 champion Damien Howson (Mitchelton-Scott) and Canadian Vuelta a Espana stage winner Michael Woods (EF Education First), with a Stage 4 showdown at Arthurs Seat promising fireworks.
Sky’s appearance in Victoria and its 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.
Minister for sport, tourism and major events, Martin Pakula, said securing 15 WorldTour teams was a coup for the state.
“Victoria’s massive Summer of Cycling has been strengthened by the news that Team Sky will race at the Towards Zero Race Melbourne, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the Jayco Herald Sun Tour,” Pakula said.
“This is further evidence that the Summer of Cycling brings the best teams from across the globe to race in Victoria, showcasing Melbourne and our beautiful regions to the world.
“We will have the best-of-the-best here in Victoria, strengthening our position as Australia’s cycling and sporting capital.”
SUMMER OF CYCLING
Austral Wheelrace — December 15
Bay Cycling Classic — January 1-3
National Road Championships — January 4-8
Towards Zero Race Melbourne — January 24
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — January 26-27
Jayco Herald Sun Tour — January 30 — February 3
Six Day Melbourne — February 7-9
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